Where can I find the legal info on clamping?

[soapbox]

If I am clamped, can I remove it myself?

[Toureman]

Yes, but not unless you want to pay for repairs and losses to the clamping company + the origonal fine and costs.

[spaced]

the problem is that the clampers still have all you details so you still have to pay the fines. So pay the fines, let them remove the clamp and avoid any further come back.

[soapbox]

Thanks... Does anyone know what type of locks are used on the clamps? Also does anyone know how you identify a legit clamping company from a rogue one?

[spaced]

mdoo, err...yeah! Its a Traffic Violation so all they need is you reg details, same a as a parking, speeding or any other fine.

You get clamped and do nothing, see what happens. let me know how u get on!

[Grunty]

Clamping is not usually done on the road, and therefore no criminal offence of parking is involved. The owner of the private property will make a charge for parking. If the charge is not paid, he will be able to recover it as a civil debt. In order to do so, he retains possession of your car until the debt is paid - hence the clamp. This is just the same as if you had your car serviced; the garage would not let you have the car back until you paid the bill. If you damage the clamp, you commit a criminal offence of damage. No, I don't like it either, but that's the law in England. Clamping is banned in Scotland.

[alasdair260]

depends what part of the country you are in.Clamping in Scotland is illegal and classified as theft.As for the quick call to dvla for the rtegistered keepers details ,that answer is correct.The dvla do sell YOUR information to third parties.

Best idea is to pay up and watch out for the CLEARLY displayed notices displayed

cheers

alasdair260

[Steve_Luts]

soapbox - sounds like you need to call Anglegrinderman :-)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3112670.stm

Not sure if he still "operates" but I just love the whole superhero-ness of it!!!

[winstanley]

Sorry to hear you were clamped. well there are one or two things you should check. dont try to take it off as you my find as i do we put a chane through your suspention arm. as for the clamp in the shed that is theft!! we do have an agrement with the police and the dvla to find and report vehicles that steal the clamps so be warned.
Let me just tell you where i'm coming from first
I am a clamper ( i can feel you looking away) just stay with me this may help. As of march last year all clampers have to be licenced by the SIA a security body to web address will be added at the end.
All clampers now need a licence. and there is a five grand fine and or six mounth jail sectence if you are found to be clamping without a licence.
you can find out more on the web site ,the following must be on the signs by law if the clamping is to be done.The signs must be in plain sight, Thay must state that if you park there you will / risk / agree to be clamped. The signs must be in the locations at all times and not removed, the sign must give the name of the company and a land line number to call during office hours. and it MUST have the release FEE amount stated, also if the vehicle is lickley to be removed and any fee there. as for the clamping as soon as the clamp is fitted the notice must be fixed to the drivers door window ( removing this and saying it wasn't there wont work as a picture is taken once clamped and the notice fitted.)
did the clamper have a badge on display?
were you offered a recept?
you must ask at the time how to appeal to get an idea of what to do!
if the signs do move or he had no badge please report it to the SIA as it cost me �545.00 for my training and �190.00 a year to get my badge.
Hope this helps.... but if it dosent DONT PARK WHERE YOU SHOULDT!
Look at the link for more info and the reporting or unlicenced clampers.
www.the-sia.org.uk

[soapbox]

Thanks winstanley - that's just what I needed. It is knowing how to tell the difference between legit and rogue clampers. It would be good if there was an Ad campaign to educate us all.