MP WELCOMES END OF CLAMPING

Friday, 20 August 2010

MP John Pugh has welcomed the Coalition Government’s banning of clamping on private land, which will put an end to the ‘unscrupulous’ tactics undertaken by many firms. "Clamping has caused many Southport residents major headaches,’ says Dr Pugh. “One particular case I dealt with illustrates the need for change.

"On a trip to Birmingham a Marshside resident experienced major problems with his car being clamped and removed after he had parked his car for 40 minutes in the evening. He was told by police that the vehicle had been removed by Mid-Way Parks. He returned the next day and was charged £390 to have his car returned.

"What followed highlights the reasons why the actions of clamping companies need to be curbed,” said John Pugh. “He wrote to the company   demanding a refund to which he received no reply. He then went to the police to ascertain whether there were any grounds for criminal action to be taken against the company. After being informed by the police and trading standards that it was a civil matter, he submitted a claim to the county court.

"The firm wanted to defend the entire claim, but because they failed to file a response a judgement was entered for £427.05 against the company. A warrant was then issued for the firm to pay this. Mid-Way parks then requested a court hearing which duly occurred at Southport County Court, yet they failed to attend citing it was too far to travel. The previous judgement was upheld and the total amount demanded increased to £567.

"However, the company only sent a cheque to for £390. He contacted bailiffs about reclaiming the remaining amount of the money but was told that they would require an 'indemnity fee' for the cost of breaking in."

"Most worryingly of all the Security Industry Authority (SIA) who regulate clamping companies informed him that company working practices for areas of operations such as signage, fees and operating policies don't fall within SIA regulation."

"This change in law now thankfully signals the end of rogue clamping companies ruling the road and making often unlawful profit. It's a very welcome move for all road users."