ROGUE WHEEL CLAMPERS BEWARE!
Many private Landlords operate wheel clamping in order to control unauthorised parking outside their premises such as blocks of flats, factories, etc. This practice has long been carried out by unscrupulous wheel clampers; there are many stories of people being clamped and charged extortionate amounts for their vehicle to be released.
The extent of the rogue clamping operations has finally led to the Government intervening. A new Protection of Freedom Bill 2010 – 2011 has progressed through the House of Commons and is now at the Committee stage in the House of Lords. As it currently stands, the Bill will prohibit all wheel clamping on private land, making it a criminal offence to immobilise a vehicle without lawful authority. This in reality means that wheel clamping will only be allowed by the Police or Local Authority.
Instead of clamping, landowners will be able to enforce parking charges against the registered keeper of the offending vehicle after contacting the DVLA for details. Landowners will still be able to use barriers to prevent vehicles that have not paid charges from leaving the car park.
Whilst landowners will no doubt be unhappy at the loss of the ability to clamp vehicles that ignore parking restrictions, if the Bill does pass in to law, it will send a clear message that wheel clamping is no longer acceptable and that other solutions to manage unauthorised parking will need to be explored.
For further information contact Charles Goldthorpe at HilliersHRW Solicitors on 01234 858000; email CG@hilliershrw.co.uk.
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