30/09/2009
Wheely Fed Up of Car Clampers?
If you have experienced that sinking feeling of returning to your car and finding it clamped then you should read my article .
The law provides that private wheel clampers must possess a license from the Security Industry Association. You should first ask them produce their license. Even if the clamper has a license you are only obliged to pay if: -
•You parked on land where there were notices warning of the risk of clamping, and thus are deemed to consent to your car being clamped
• The release fee is reasonable. In 2006, the British Parking Association suggested £125 was a reasonable charge. However there is currently no cap on the limit - hence clampers are seeking to charge extortionate release fees.
If you attempt to remove the clamp and damage it, you leave yourself open to a charge of criminal damage.
Due to widespread concern the Government have issued a consultation paper seeking views as to how to deal with the activities of cowboy wheel clampers. Many hope that as a result of the Governments review it will be made mandatory for businesses to comply with a code of conduct. The code would then regulate the size and visibility of signs, and set maximum release fees as well as providing an appeals and complaints process.
Whether or not a change in the law is implemented, the best advice remains - be careful where you park or expect to be wheely fed up !
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