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30/04/2009
Consultation Launched To Tighten Regulations For Wheel Clamping Businesses
A major new consultation has begun into plans to subject rogue wheel clamping businesses to tough new regulations, the Home Office announced today.
The public consultation, which sets out proposals for licensing wheel clamping firms, will run for 12 weeks. It is an opportunity for members of the public and all interested groups including wheel clamping businesses and motoring organisations to have their say.
The Government's proposals include the introduction of compulsory licensing to tackle the limited number of wheel clamping businesses whose practices include excessive fines for releasing clamped cars, towing cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped and putting up hidden, missing or confusing signs warning drivers that clamping takes place.
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 proposals could also make it mandatory for the business itself to be licensed to help ensure it upholds standards of conduct, which will be enforced if they are not met.
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell, said: "There are clearly a minority of wheel clamping businesses that indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.
"The Government intends to take firm action to prevent abuses by some of these firms and their employees.
"This consultation paper is designed to canvass views on a range of options for controls and is a vital step towards putting an end to rogue practices by some clampers."
(JM/BMcc)
The public consultation, which sets out proposals for licensing wheel clamping firms, will run for 12 weeks. It is an opportunity for members of the public and all interested groups including wheel clamping businesses and motoring organisations to have their say.
The Government's proposals include the introduction of compulsory licensing to tackle the limited number of wheel clamping businesses whose practices include excessive fines for releasing clamped cars, towing cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped and putting up hidden, missing or confusing signs warning drivers that clamping takes place.
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 proposals could also make it mandatory for the business itself to be licensed to help ensure it upholds standards of conduct, which will be enforced if they are not met.
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell, said: "There are clearly a minority of wheel clamping businesses that indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.
"The Government intends to take firm action to prevent abuses by some of these firms and their employees.
"This consultation paper is designed to canvass views on a range of options for controls and is a vital step towards putting an end to rogue practices by some clampers."
(JM/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
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01 October 2012
Wheel Clamping Now Illegal
Wheel-clampers will no longer be allowed to clamp vehicles on private land, in a move which could save British motorists £55m a year. New legislation in England and Wales, under the Protection of Freedoms Act, has made it an offence to clamp on private land.
Wheel Clamping Now Illegal
Wheel-clampers will no longer be allowed to clamp vehicles on private land, in a move which could save British motorists £55m a year. New legislation in England and Wales, under the Protection of Freedoms Act, has made it an offence to clamp on private land.
11 November 2010
'Don't Clamp Umbilical Cords', Says BMJ
An article published on bmj.com today, has urged Obstetricians and Midwives to wait a few minutes before clamping the umbilical cords of newborn infants. The online article, written by Dr David Hutchon from the British Medical Journal, said that such a move was necessary so that babies are not harmed by the procedure.
'Don't Clamp Umbilical Cords', Says BMJ
An article published on bmj.com today, has urged Obstetricians and Midwives to wait a few minutes before clamping the umbilical cords of newborn infants. The online article, written by Dr David Hutchon from the British Medical Journal, said that such a move was necessary so that babies are not harmed by the procedure.
17 August 2010
Wheel Clampers Banned On Private Land
Wheel clampers are to be banned from operating on private land in England and Wales, the government has announced. The announcement will be included in the government's Freedom Bill in November and could come into force by early next year.
Wheel Clampers Banned On Private Land
Wheel clampers are to be banned from operating on private land in England and Wales, the government has announced. The announcement will be included in the government's Freedom Bill in November and could come into force by early next year.
03 May 2005
Rogue car clampers face crackdown
Rogue car clampers will find it harder to operate as a new law requiring all clamping companies to be licensed comes into effect. Private clamping firms will now have to acquire a license, through participation in official training schemes, or run the risk of facing a heavy fine or a prison sentence.
Rogue car clampers face crackdown
Rogue car clampers will find it harder to operate as a new law requiring all clamping companies to be licensed comes into effect. Private clamping firms will now have to acquire a license, through participation in official training schemes, or run the risk of facing a heavy fine or a prison sentence.
12 May 2008
Angry Owner 'Saw' Car Clamped
When a Gloucestershire builder came home to find a 'work-in-progress' car repair project clamped by what he branded over officious 'jobsworths' he took matters into his own hands. Ian Taylor, from Tredworth, took drastic action and set about sawing his car in half with an angle-grinder in protest at it being clamped outside his home.
Angry Owner 'Saw' Car Clamped
When a Gloucestershire builder came home to find a 'work-in-progress' car repair project clamped by what he branded over officious 'jobsworths' he took matters into his own hands. Ian Taylor, from Tredworth, took drastic action and set about sawing his car in half with an angle-grinder in protest at it being clamped outside his home.
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