Chuka’s letter on the issue of wheel clamping was published in the Streatham Guardian on May 13th, in response to a letter of the previous week:

In response to your article (“Streatham wheel clampers are ‘out of control’ say local residents”, 6 May 2009) on the issues people are facing with wheel clampers, I would like to reiterate my support for local residents against overzealous and rogue wheel clamping and draw attention to action the Government is taking on this issue.

Wheel clampers should not be allowed to get away with unacceptable practices and abuses such as those alleged in the article. The Government is planning to make it mandatory for all clamping companies to be licensed, thus ensuring that they sign up to acceptable standards of conduct which can be enforced if they are not met. The compulsory standards will demand that a proper appeals process exists, that all signage is clear and visible and will set reasonable limits against excessive penalties for releasing cars. Additionally, there will be requirements for evidence that a parking infringement has taken place.

Establishing clear and compulsory industry standards linked to licensing
will improve practices and, I hope, bring peace of mind to local people who have suffered sharp practice from clamping firms in this area.

Chuka Umunna
Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Streatham