Law permits unfair clamping appeal

29 January 2010

The Home Office has announced a change in law allowing motorists a chance to appeal against being unfairly clamped and get their money back.

Drivers claiming to have been targeted unfairly will be able to approach independent tribunals with the power to give them their money back under new regulations affecting motorists in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said all clampers will be required to have a licence and sign up to a code of conduct, and companies could be forced to pay back excessive fees and award drivers compensation.

Mr Campbell said: "The introduction of an independent appeals process will for the first time provide independent recourse for motorists who feel aggrieved by unfair practices of rogue clamping businesses.

"The process will form part of the Government's compulsory licensing scheme, which will further regulate the industry and provide a fair system for motorists."

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister welcomed the move to remove any loopholes that may allow motorists to be fleeced. He said the new measures should extend to those operators "increasingly ticketing on private land."

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