Tweet
Five-year prison terms for rogue clampers
20 November 2009
Cowboy wheel clampers face the prospect of five years in prison under draft legislation published by the government.
If passed the Crime and Security Bill would create a much tighter regulatory regime. All businesses that immobilise vehicles on private land with a view to charging a release fee would need to be licensed under the terms of a strict new code of conduct.
Failure to adhere to those standards would see businesses lose their licenses, with the legal duty holder subject to a five-year prison sentence.
The code of practice will include provisions on the size and visibility of signage, maximum penalties and the minimum permissible time between immobilisation and removal.
It will also set out a requirement for wheel clamping businesses to present evidence that an infringement has taken place and create an independent complaints and appeals framework.
"Unscrupulous firms"
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: “The Crime and Security Bill reflects the government's commitment to prevent abuses by unscrupulous firms and their employees.
“There is no room within the wheel clamping industry for those who indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.”
Sadiq Khan, transport minister, said: “These tough new proposals are part of a series of measures the government is putting in place to tackle the scourge of rogue parking firms who harass and intimidate motorists.
“We have already taken action to restrict access for parking firms wanting driver information and by bringing in these new requirements for clamping firms we are sending a clear message to unscrupulous firms that they need to clean up their act if they want to stay in business.”
The new legislation has been drawn up following discussions with motoring groups, industry representatives and a 12-week public consultation during the summer.
Currently, any individual undertaking wheel clamping must hold a frontline licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), with supervisors or directors holding a non-frontline licence.
The new Compulsory Licensing Scheme will allot responsibility to businesses as well as individuals. It will be administered and controlled by the SIA.
20 November 2009
Cowboy wheel clampers face the prospect of five years in prison under draft legislation published by the government.
If passed the Crime and Security Bill would create a much tighter regulatory regime. All businesses that immobilise vehicles on private land with a view to charging a release fee would need to be licensed under the terms of a strict new code of conduct.
Failure to adhere to those standards would see businesses lose their licenses, with the legal duty holder subject to a five-year prison sentence.
The code of practice will include provisions on the size and visibility of signage, maximum penalties and the minimum permissible time between immobilisation and removal.
It will also set out a requirement for wheel clamping businesses to present evidence that an infringement has taken place and create an independent complaints and appeals framework.
"Unscrupulous firms"
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: “The Crime and Security Bill reflects the government's commitment to prevent abuses by unscrupulous firms and their employees.
“There is no room within the wheel clamping industry for those who indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.”
Sadiq Khan, transport minister, said: “These tough new proposals are part of a series of measures the government is putting in place to tackle the scourge of rogue parking firms who harass and intimidate motorists.
“We have already taken action to restrict access for parking firms wanting driver information and by bringing in these new requirements for clamping firms we are sending a clear message to unscrupulous firms that they need to clean up their act if they want to stay in business.”
The new legislation has been drawn up following discussions with motoring groups, industry representatives and a 12-week public consultation during the summer.
Currently, any individual undertaking wheel clamping must hold a frontline licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), with supervisors or directors holding a non-frontline licence.
The new Compulsory Licensing Scheme will allot responsibility to businesses as well as individuals. It will be administered and controlled by the SIA.
)
Comment