Private clampers in the sights of the UK authorities
The government has today issued details of future plans to protect motorists from unfair clamping charges which have been the scourge of drivers up and down the country. In the future motorists will be able to appeal to independent tribunals if they believe they are being overcharged or targeted unfairly. Not only will those successful in the courts receive a rebate on part of their fine but they can also claim for compensation if they were unfairly targeted.
When you take this into consideration, together with the government's plans to introduce a compulsory licensing scheme and strict code of conduct for the industry, it would appear that the days of the rogue road clamper are numbered. Few in the UK will shed any tears for private clamping companies who have long been the focus of rumours regarding" strange" trading practices and aggressive behaviour.
However, we must also remember that many independent clampers do work within the rules and within the regulations and ultimately those who park in clearly designated private areas do so at their own risk. This is an industry which effectively came from nowhere to cause enormous disruption for many motorists and attracted a large number of unsavoury headlines.
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