Drivers consulted on clamping law

Persistent complaints about clamping firms prompted government action

Drivers are among those being invited to comment on Home Office proposals to force wheel clamping companies to abide by tough new regulations.

It wants to make firms register for licences in a bid stop them charging excessive fines, using confusing signs or towing cars unreasonably quickly.

In England and Wales, individuals who work as clampers need licences, but their employers are unregulated.

A 12-week consultation has begun with the aim of giving the public their say.

Licences would apply to private clamping companies, which enforce parking restrictions on private land rather than council roads or car parks.

They would not be issued in Scotland, where clamping is illegal because national law recognises immobilising a vehicle as theft.

Home Office minister Alan Campbell said the plans, unveiled earlier this month, represented "firm action" by the government to stop the system being abused.

PROPOSED INDUSTRY STANDARDS Signage, including size and visibility Maximum penalties and payment methods Minimum time between immobilisation and removal Providing evidence wrongful parking has taken place Security and location of pound where vehicles are held Complaints and appeals policy

"There are clearly a minority of wheel clamping businesses that indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees," he said.

"This consultation paper is designed to canvass views on a range of options for controls and is a vital step towards putting an end to rogue practices by some clampers."

Individuals who work for clamping firms have been forced to apply for licences since 2001.

However, complaints from car owners have persisted and the government asked regulators at the Security Industry Authority to consider how firms could be stopped from using unacceptable practices.

The consultation document notes that a voluntary code is already in place through the British Parking Association but that the majority of companies - including those most likely to use rogue methods - had not signed up to it.

It proposes a number of conditions which would have to be met to secure a licence, relating to signage, penalties, appeals and towing.

BBC transport correspondent Tom Symonds said complaints about private clamping companies have been widespread for years.

"In some cases drivers have been lured to park in the wrong place, and then clamped before they could move," he said.

People can respond to the consultation using a form available from the Home Office before 23 July.

It asks people to give their views on topics such as which proposed licensing conditions they see as priorities and maximum fines for clamping, towing or impounding.