David Lepper backs plans to clamp down on rogue wheel clampers

David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP, has backed government plans to introduce compulsory licensing to deal with rogue wheel clamping companies.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has announced 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.

David Lepper said:

"The licensing of individual wheel clampers has gone some way to reduce criminality and improving standards in the industry. But I have dealt with one case in which the clamping was carried out by someone whose registration had lapsed and the law as it stands seemed to impose no penalty on him or help for the person who had his car clamped.

"Whether or not the regulatory body even takes any action in a case like that seems shrouded in secrecy at the moment.

"I know that people in Brighton 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 it has to meet.

"Rogue wheel clampers shouldn't be able to get away with unacceptable practices in Brighton and I'll be working with the government to clamp down on dodgy clampers."