Clamp down on rogue wheel clampers
Chuka Umunna, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Streatham, today backed Government plans to introduce compulsory licensing to deal with rogue wheel clamping companies in Lambeth.
Umunna welcomed the announcement by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith that a consultation would be published shortly on proposals for a compulsory licensing scheme for wheel clamping companies.
This consultation will look at introducing compulsory licensing and industry-wide standards for:
- signage, including size and visibility;
- maximum penalties charged and payment methods;
- minimum time between immobilisation and removal;
- providing evidence that a parking infringement has taken place;
- security and location of pound where vehicles are impounded; and
- complaints and appeals policy.
The measures aim to tackle the limited number of wheel clamping companies whose dodgy practices include excessive penalties for releasing clamped cars, clamping emergency vehicles and those belonging to disabled drivers, impounding cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped, hidden or missing signs warning drivers that clamping takes place, and a lack of any appeals process for drivers.
The announcement comes in the wake of local resident and singer-songwriter Leo Ihenacho’s well publicized dispute with South East Clamping Ltd (SEC) which featured on the BBC’s Watchdog programme on 2 March 2009.
While Ihenacho had been away from his home, the management company of his block had started to use SEC to patrol the building’s car park. During his absence SEC had towed Ihenacho’s car away without him knowing anything about it, which resulted in legal action. Ihenacho said:
“for someone to be able to come and take it like that without information, prior knowledge, etc…its unbelievable”.
Commenting on the measures the government is taking, Umunna said:
“The licensing of individual wheel clampers has gone a long way to reducing malpractice and improving standards in the industry.
“But I know that local people want further action against the small minority of clamping companies who indulge in sharp practices, including unclear signage and excessive fees.
“The Government is looking at introducing a scheme for compulsory licensing of clamping companies, with clear industry standards that they have to meet.”
“Rogue wheel clampers shouldn’t be able to get away with unacceptable practices and I’ll be working with the Government to clamp down on dodgy clampers.”
Currently, any individual undertaking vehicle immobilising must hold a frontline licence from the Security Industry Authority, with supervisors or directors holding a non-frontline licence. The new proposals would also make it mandatory for the company itself to be licensed to help ensure they sign up to upholding standards of conduct, which will be enforced if they are not met.
