Many UK motorists are fed up with clampers acting like modern-day highway men. A new law was enacted as of October 1st.It protects motorists in England from their vehicles being clamped on private land, but it may not go far enough some argue.
The reforms aim to address the problem of unscrupulous individuals exploiting the system. Some rogue traders have failed to display warning signs, only to ambush hapless motorists. Some clamping firms have even insisted that their victims hand over jewellery in return for their vehicles being released.
Critics have suggested that these new rules still leave too much scope for questionable firms to continue with their unethical practices. These operators will still be entitled to issue tickets under this new law, and critics say that the rogues will simply bombard unsuspecting motorists with dubious tickets. Also, this ban only covers private land. In fact, there are a number of exceptions from sea ports to railway stations.
Parking on Private Land Appeals (PoPLA), which is the new appeals body that mediates disputes between clamping firms and motorists has come under fire for being toothless. They can only mediate in cases where legitimate firms have signed up.
The AA has long been campaigning for the laws on car clamping to be changed in England. One cutthroat operator even had the temerity to target an AA patrol vehicle, and hearses have also been clamped. Perhaps more worrying, was the number of elderly and vulnerable people who were victimised by questionable cowboy firms.
Some may find comfort in the fact that one ruthless operator was given an Asbo for illegally clamping a police car!
Edmund King, president of the AA is delighted that the cowboys are finally getting the rough justice that they deserve. However, will the clampers be able to worm their way out through the loopholes?