Car clamping

[misslideaway]

I parked in the car park of a doctors surgery at 8pm when the surgery was closed. I saw a sign saying wheel clamping, private land but silly me, thought it was now illegal, plus figured as the surgery was closed- it would be ok for 2 hours.

Needless to say, I returned to the car to find it clamped and a notice on the window... £120 to be released. I called the company who promptly sent out an agent. I paid the fee, he released the car and explained that I could contact head office if I wanted to complain? £120 does not seem reasonable fee to me....

So, maybe a silly question but do I have a leg to stand on if I appeal?

Thanks in advance of your answers. And yes, I admit it wad my fault and a silly thing to do.

[dzug2]

I don't think it's illegal yet - there are proposals to make it so.

[milly143]

I think once you have handed over the money you have two hopes....

Not sure what other option you would have other than to pay though.

[Loosehead]

You have no leg to stand on. Car clampers are not bothered about such details as openning times. If you see a clamping sign do not park.

[themas]

Unfortunately, this outrageous practice is not yet illegal - won't be till next year. If you saw the notice & it was reasonably prominent I don't think you can do anything about it, I'm afraid.

[bushbaby_de]

If you lived in a block of flats and frequently had tightwads parking in your space, preventing you from parking at your own home, rather than pay to park in the Council car park round the corner, you wouldn't think clamping was such an outrageous practice....