Parking Signs

[sir.prize]

I thought that wheel clamping by private car parking companies became outlawed on 1 October 2012. A local company has signage with a warning that wheels may be clamped with a £90 release fee. Surely not!

[strann]

They aren't outlawed; they now need to be licensed.
If in doubt, call the local council and ask whether they have a license and if not request that it be investigated.

[sir.prize]

strann - thanks for your comment.

I was following this story . . .

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/9578849/Wheel-clamping-banned-on-private-land.html

[Baldric]

"A local company" What kind of Company?
Is it a Factory or Office with a Private/employee car park,or is it a Public car park?

[sir.prize]

baldric - it is a Retail park.

''Local company'' was referring to the parking company.

[Baldric]

In that case I think stranns statement is correct.

[sir.prize]

This seems to set out the law nicely.

The British Parking Association Code of Practice covers private parking throughout the United Kingdom. However, at present, there is a difference in the law on private parking within the separate areas of theUnited Kingdom. This means that:
• in general, enforcement by clamping and removal is a
criminal offence in England and Wales, except when
carried out with lawful authority; or being a stautory authority - but not in Scotland.

[douglas9401]

As far as I'm aware the clamping of cars other than by police, customs or the like is regarded as demanding money with menaces in Auld Scotia.

[Graham-W]

I suspect they can put any signage up they like. The fear of being clamped may be enough to stop people parking there even if there are no clampers.