01/10/2012
Wheel Clamping Now Illegal
Wheel-clampers will no longer be allowed to clamp vehicles on private land, in a move which could save British motorists £55m a year.
New legislation in England and Wales, under the Protection of Freedoms Act, has made it an offence to clamp on private land.
The government has also agreed on an independent appeals service funded by the British Parking Association (BPA), which will enable motorists to appeal parking charges issued on private land by a company that is a member of the BPA's approved operator scheme.
Lord Taylor of Holbeach, the Home Office minister responsible for changes to vehicle clamping law, said: "This common-sense ban will give motorists the protection they deserve against rogue wheel-clamping and towing companies."
The law means anyone found clamping, blocking-in or towing vehicles on private land would face criminal proceedings.
Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "These new parking arrangements deliver a fairer legal framework for motorists and landowners, while getting rid of the indiscriminate clamping and towing by private companies for good."
But a BPA spokesman said there may still be issues for motorists because of little known by-laws giving landowners the right to decide how they manage parking on their property.
The AA has also expressed concerns that rogue operators may begin issuing bogus parking tickets on private land.
BPA chief executive Patrick Troy said: "An independent appeals service which is not binding on all operators is likely to be a recipe for confusion among motorists and a ban on clamping is no substitute for proper regulation of the industry."
(IT)
New legislation in England and Wales, under the Protection of Freedoms Act, has made it an offence to clamp on private land.
The government has also agreed on an independent appeals service funded by the British Parking Association (BPA), which will enable motorists to appeal parking charges issued on private land by a company that is a member of the BPA's approved operator scheme.
Lord Taylor of Holbeach, the Home Office minister responsible for changes to vehicle clamping law, said: "This common-sense ban will give motorists the protection they deserve against rogue wheel-clamping and towing companies."
The law means anyone found clamping, blocking-in or towing vehicles on private land would face criminal proceedings.
Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "These new parking arrangements deliver a fairer legal framework for motorists and landowners, while getting rid of the indiscriminate clamping and towing by private companies for good."
But a BPA spokesman said there may still be issues for motorists because of little known by-laws giving landowners the right to decide how they manage parking on their property.
The AA has also expressed concerns that rogue operators may begin issuing bogus parking tickets on private land.
BPA chief executive Patrick Troy said: "An independent appeals service which is not binding on all operators is likely to be a recipe for confusion among motorists and a ban on clamping is no substitute for proper regulation of the industry."
(IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 April 2009
Consultation Launched To Tighten Regulations For Wheel Clamping Businesses
A major new consultation has begun into plans to subject rogue wheel clamping businesses to tough new regulations, the Home Office announced today. The public consultation, which sets out proposals for licensing wheel clamping firms, will run for 12 weeks.
Consultation Launched To Tighten Regulations For Wheel Clamping Businesses
A major new consultation has begun into plans to subject rogue wheel clamping businesses to tough new regulations, the Home Office announced today. The public consultation, which sets out proposals for licensing wheel clamping firms, will run for 12 weeks.
17 August 2010
Wheel Clampers Banned On Private Land
Wheel clampers are to be banned from operating on private land in England and Wales, the government has announced. The announcement will be included in the government's Freedom Bill in November and could come into force by early next year.
Wheel Clampers Banned On Private Land
Wheel clampers are to be banned from operating on private land in England and Wales, the government has announced. The announcement will be included in the government's Freedom Bill in November and could come into force by early next year.
11 November 2010
'Don't Clamp Umbilical Cords', Says BMJ
An article published on bmj.com today, has urged Obstetricians and Midwives to wait a few minutes before clamping the umbilical cords of newborn infants. The online article, written by Dr David Hutchon from the British Medical Journal, said that such a move was necessary so that babies are not harmed by the procedure.
'Don't Clamp Umbilical Cords', Says BMJ
An article published on bmj.com today, has urged Obstetricians and Midwives to wait a few minutes before clamping the umbilical cords of newborn infants. The online article, written by Dr David Hutchon from the British Medical Journal, said that such a move was necessary so that babies are not harmed by the procedure.
03 May 2005
Rogue car clampers face crackdown
Rogue car clampers will find it harder to operate as a new law requiring all clamping companies to be licensed comes into effect. Private clamping firms will now have to acquire a license, through participation in official training schemes, or run the risk of facing a heavy fine or a prison sentence.
Rogue car clampers face crackdown
Rogue car clampers will find it harder to operate as a new law requiring all clamping companies to be licensed comes into effect. Private clamping firms will now have to acquire a license, through participation in official training schemes, or run the risk of facing a heavy fine or a prison sentence.
21 August 2009
Parking Enforcement 'Out of Control'
Growing parking enforcement in private car parks and the huge amounts of money being taken from drivers has reached 'epidemic' level, according to the AA. More than one in 10 drivers say they have been issued a private parking ticket over the last year and tens of thousands of people have had their car clamped or removed from private car parks.
Parking Enforcement 'Out of Control'
Growing parking enforcement in private car parks and the huge amounts of money being taken from drivers has reached 'epidemic' level, according to the AA. More than one in 10 drivers say they have been issued a private parking ticket over the last year and tens of thousands of people have had their car clamped or removed from private car parks.