Wheel-clamping to be Banned in New Gov't Plans

[Mr T.]

Huzzah!

'Draconian' council wheel-clampers are given the boot
By Anil Dawar

(Filed: 12/07/2006)


Wheel-clamping by local authorities for everyday parking offences is to be banned under Government proposals published today.

The Denver Boot will be banished in a Department for Transport overhaul of enforcement regimes run by 182 councils. Only the most persistent offenders will have their vehicles immobilised, said Douglas Alexander, the Transport Secretary.

The restrictions, which will not apply to privately-owned car parks and their contractors, were applauded by the AA and RAC.

Paul Watters, of the AA Motoring Trust, said the new rules heralded a "motorist-friendly" regime. "Clamping became a revenue raiser," he said. "It was easy pickings for hit squads with little motivation other than how many cars they could clamp.

"Clamping and removal are draconian steps not needed on paid-for parking bays."

Edmund King, of the RAC Foundation, said: "We hope this guidance will be followed to the letter. Wheel clamping is counter-productive and totally disproportionate."

The regulations come less than a month after the Commons transport select committee criticised confusing rules and penalties around the country.

Fines can reach £100 and councils made £1.16 billion from parking charges and fines last year - up from £638 million when Labour came to power in 1997.

Motorists parking in some hot spots have found themselves clamped for overstaying their time at a meter by as little as 10 minutes.

The announcement echoes a move by Camden council, in London, which this month ended clamping for all but those who refuse to pay fines. Last year, 27,900 vehicles were immobilised in Camden.

A Transport Department spokesman said Mr Alexander would like to "make it clear that clamping is discouraged for all but the most persistent parking offenders".

He said the guidance to authorities in England "has teeth" and Wales is expected to adopt similar measures. Under the proposals, which will be subject to a 12-week consultation period, councils will also be forced to publish annual accounts showing how much they make from tickets and a nationwide database will be created to target persistent offenders.

Councils will also be ordered to remove ticket targets that critics say encourage over-zealous enforcement.

"The Government is determined to see a parking system that is fairer and more consistent," said Mr Alexander.

"These proposals are a significant stride towards achieving that goal. We have listened to motorists and it is clear that the current system needs to be improved."