Coalition government bans car clamping on private land

The coalition government's policies have not always been popular with the public.

News that clamping on private land and towing cars from private land to pounds is to be banned in England and Wales, however, will be a small but significant boost.

The legislation will be part of the Freedom Bill, to be introduced in November.

Good news from the Government:

Like the proposal to end funding for fixed speed cameras, banning clamping on private land will please the motoring lobby.

Unlike ending funding for fixed speed cameras, however, I fully support the clamping and towing ban.

The lack of regulation for the industry meant that victims were being charged hundreds of pounds to recover their car.

The punishment is out of all proportion to the crime, which many people were not even aware they were committing due to poor signage.

Stories such as Hannah Bannock's, a nurse who was charged £350 for her car to be released, with another £50 charge for every hour she delayed payment, after she was clamped while visiting a patient, show how unfair the clamping and towing industry is.

In one case, according to the Fightback Forums, Hounslow residents were even clamped in their own private parking bays.

In Wembley, North West London, Haroon Zafaryab fought back against Citywatch Parking Enforcement, who were featured on Watchdog last year.

He refused to pay a £365 fine and sat in his car for 30 hours, incurring about 40 tickets amounting to £3,565 in fines. His car was eventually released after he paid £100, which he plans to challenge.

I believe this ban is the right thing to do and should be applauded.

Sadly, clamping and towing on private land will still be legal in Northern Ireland, as Slugger O'Toole points out.