Oaten in drive to ban private wheel clampers (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Oaten in drive to ban private wheel clampers

5:20pm Thursday 4th March 2010 in Politics By Andrew Napier

Winchester MP Mark Oaten wants to ban all private wheel clamping.

Mr Oaten is putting forward an amendment to the crime and security bill that would stop most clamping.

He feels the clampers have been exploiting drivers by unfairly clamping cars and charging hefty release fees, with no option to appeal.

Despite government promises to crackdown, the industry rakes in over £1 billion a year and the number of wheel clampers has soared from 1,200 in 2008 to 2,100 in 2009.

In Winchester the issue has recently been highlighted with many motorists being caught by White’s Car Park Solutions outside National Tyres in St Cross Road.

During the recent snowy weather several stranded cars were also immobilised by Cobra Security in the car park of the Roebuck Inn in Fulflood.

Nationally, research by the Liberal Democrats found that clampers tout for business by offering commission-only or free clamping services.

They then offer up to £50 commission for employees per car clamped and set daily targets, leading to excessive and unnecessary clamping, according to the Lib Dems.

The Lib Dem amendment would change the current system so that wheel clamping could only be carried out by public sector bodies or private companies hired by these bodies — that are accountable to the public.

It would also ban the practice of offering commission to clamping staff, so that fees paid would not be dependent on the number of cars clamped.

Mr Oaten said: “For years constituents have been contacting me about their bad experiences with private clamping companies who clamp unfairly and then demand extortionate release fees.

“The number of cases shot up in the recent bad weather and snowfall as these companies exploited motorists who were stranded, which only demonstrates the shocking way in which they operate.

“For years now the government has promised action and yet the problem has dragged on.

“We simply need legislation to end these rogue clampers who work on commission and often resort to bullying tactics to get money from motorists.”

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