Clamping Down On Cowboy Clampers

Saturday, 21. November 2009

The first ever UK parking summit has recently been held to discuss the growing problems faced by motorists whose cars have been clamped by cowboy clampers operating on private land. The summit was attended by parking firms, minsters and motoring groups. The AA called for tougher laws to be introduced. Edmund King, president of the AA, said that it cannot be just for there to be no independent appeal against a clamp, removal or ticket. He went on to say ‘We believe that the Government must now regulate the entire private parking industry or outlaw some of its excesses’ The Government is now considering looking at introducing a compulsory licensing scheme for all clamping businesses. However, the British Parking Association has signed up to a seven point plan, which will begin to tackle concerns, including how the industry is regulated, consistency in how companies operate and better communication through improved signage. As usual a lot of words and no action, in the meantime a friend had a visiting friend’s car removed from the car park of her flat by a private clamping and removal company and it cost this single mum over £500 to get it back. I called upon the services of a good friend, Ollie Mishcon, writer for the Sunday Mirror, who managed to get all the money returned after a battle and threatening publication in his Judge Tread column but how many other single mums have had the same happen to them without the resources to have the money returned. We need action NOW! By Graham Hill