4:19pm Tuesday 17th August 2010
By Elizabeth Pears
MOTORISTS will breathe a collective sigh of relief following an announcement of new laws outlawing "cowboy clampers" on private land or roads.
Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone said the Government's Freedom Bill, expected to be introduced in parliament in November, will put an end to the "meance of rogue wheel-clampers".
Under the laws, any companies that tow or clamp vehicles parked on private land will face tough penalties such as criminal proceedings or civil sanctions.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green said: "For too long motorists have fallen victim to unscrupulous tactics by many clamping firms. Reports of motorists being marched to cash points or left stranded after their car has been towed are simply unacceptable.
"A ban on clamping and towing on private land will end this abuse and companies that decide to flout new laws will face severe penalties."
At present, wheel clamping firms must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) which said it had licensed 2,150 individuals and firms.
Once the ban comes into force after Royal Assent, licensing will cease to take place as it will no longer be needed.
Local authorities and the DVLA will be exempt from the laws which only applies to private land and not public highways.
Regional and local transport minister Norman Baker said: "Cowboy clampers have had ample opportunity to mend their ways but the cases of bullying and extortion persist.
"That is why we are putting an end to these outrageous practices once and for all to ensure that drivers no longer have to fear intimidation from rogue traders, allowing the parking industry to begin to restore its reputation with the motoring public."
Tell us your parking nightmares or experiences with clamping firms by emailing haringeynews@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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