Cowboy clamper clampdown delayed

Unlicensed companies will be prosecuted under the new scheme

A proposed licensing scheme to keep cowboy clampers off the streets has been delayed because too few have completed a training course.

The scheme, intended to come into force on 1 March, will mean every clamping company must be licensed and employees have to abide by a code of conduct.

The Security Industry Authority said it expected the scheme to be running within the next three months.

Motoring organisations said they are disappointed with the delay.

Paul Watters, of AA motoring trust, said it was "almost unacceptable".

"It's been 20 years that clamping has been going on," he said.

"It is another three months in which unscrupulous clampers have to take money from vulnerable people."

Not any Joe Bloggs can go out and put a clamp on their car and demand money with menaces Rick Ellis, wheel clamper

Wheel clamper Rick Ellis, of Zonehold Ltd, had also been looking forward to the new licensing rules.

"Hopefully people won't think of us as cowboys any more because they will appreciate that we are licensed.

"Not any Joe Bloggs can go out and put a clamp on their car and demand money with menaces which a lot of people seem to think we do."

For clamping firms, all employees will now have to attend training courses at an estimated cost of £600 per company, and unlicensed cowboy companies will be prosecuted.

Andy Drane, of the Security Industry Authority that manages the private security industry, said the delay was caused by difficulties between trainers and awarding body, Edexcel, which have been resolved.

"We are currently advising ministers to delay the date at the end of this month but I'm not expecting to advise them to delay it by any longer than three months," he said.

Until then the most serious issues with cowboy clampers can be dealt with under criminal or civil law, he said.