Royal Borough welcomes end to car clamping

The Royal Borough is welcoming the introduction on Monday 1 October of the Protection of Freedoms Act, part of which makes the clamping of vehicles parked on private property a criminal offence.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for highways, transport and environment, has championed this cause over the past three years, calling on the government to outlaw wheel clamping and replace it with fines.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted that this unacceptable practice will be illegal and motorists - both residents and visitors - will no longer be held to ransom.

"We at the Royal Borough haven't countenanced clamping in council car parks and in addition we called for it to be banned completely in private car parks and replaced by a parking ticket-based scheme.

"The new legislation means motorists will be better protected against possible abuses or intimidating behaviour while the rights of landowners to take reasonable action to deter or prevent unwanted parking will be preserved."

Motorists are still urged to be vigilant when parking on private property - including private car parks - as in some cases extortionate fines may replace clamping.

Cllr Bicknell added: "At least the motorist will be able to drive away and seek advice on the validity of such fines. The days of having to spend a fortune simply to move your car are over."

From Monday the council's trading standards team will be checking that out-of-date signage is removed while the parking team is happy to work with any local private car park operator to ensure appropriate arrangements are put in place.

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