02. Jun. 2010. – 15:36:39
Every car owner knows about it, tries to avoid it and feels like spitting blood when unfortunately comes face to face with a wheel clamped car and the often large, tattooed men who have locked the monstrosity in place on his/her car. The resulting aggravation many times reaches the courts when aggrieved motorists` outpouring of venom reaches the ears of a patrolling Police Community Support Officer or very very occasionally a real live "You`ll be arrested if you don`t stop swearing" police officer. I sat on such a case a couple of weeks ago and however much provocation has been endured it is usually considered only in mitigation for a guilty plea to low level public order offences.
The outrageous actions of some? many? car clampers and the lack of effective control on their activities at local or national level has been a scandal. The recent conviction of one such gang and the jailing of its leader at Birmingham Crown Court will bring a smile to all who have had the misfortune to have been similarly fleeced of large amounts of hard earned cash.
It is heartening to know that in the Crime and Security Bill which received Royal Assent on 8 April there is provision to deal much more efficiently with rogue car clampers. There will be maximum limits set to fines possibly in line with those imposed by local authorities, signage will have to have parking conditions clearly set out, independent appeal processes will be established and effective licensing for clamping companies will be introduced. The Scots, so often more sensible than their English cousins in matters legal, outlawed clamping on private land in 1992.
The outrageous actions of some? many? car clampers and the lack of effective control on their activities at local or national level has been a scandal. The recent conviction of one such gang and the jailing of its leader at Birmingham Crown Court will bring a smile to all who have had the misfortune to have been similarly fleeced of large amounts of hard earned cash.
It is heartening to know that in the Crime and Security Bill which received Royal Assent on 8 April there is provision to deal much more efficiently with rogue car clampers. There will be maximum limits set to fines possibly in line with those imposed by local authorities, signage will have to have parking conditions clearly set out, independent appeal processes will be established and effective licensing for clamping companies will be introduced. The Scots, so often more sensible than their English cousins in matters legal, outlawed clamping on private land in 1992.
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