Clampers get their marching orders

RAC welcomes today’s legislation which outlaws rogue clampers from clamping vehicles on private land.

However it warns that it does not ban landowners from issuing parking tickets and excludes many locations such as car parks at railway stations, airports and ports where by-laws give landowners the right to manage parking in any way they choose.

RAC spokesman, Pete Williams, said: “This is welcome news for motorists and should lead to a dramatic cut in unjust fines but we would warn everyone to be aware that bogus parking tickets will inevitably increase.

“RAC provides its own legal services team available to offer RAC members advice on potentially illegal parking tickets.”

The new law aims to get rid of indiscriminate clamping and towing by private companies and introduce a fairer legal framework for landowners and motorists. Other changes include extending police powers to remove vehicles parked on private land.

Motorists currently pay £55 million a year in clamping fees – but rogue companies may simply turn to issuing tickets.