Clamping curbs called for by MP (From Dudley News)

Clamping curbs called for by MP

10:27am Wednesday 20th February 2008

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DRIVERS have been warned to avoid parking at a Dudley spot after "totally disgraceful" clamping charges of up to hundreds of pounds by private firms.

Angry motorists have been stung by fines of up to £325 after parking their vehicles on a paved area on Tower Street, in Dudley town centre.

Now town MP Ian Austin has called for better regulations for clamping in a bid to curb the fines after receiving a mountain of complaints from irate drivers.

Some have been forced to hand over £150 to have their vehicle released even if they have mistakenly leaving their car at the area opposite the old fire station for just five minutes.

Furious Mr Austin said:"The way the clamping companies are operating in this area is a total disgrace.

"I have seen with my own eyes the way one of their employees has sat in his van waiting for people to park in the wrong place. As soon as they have walked away, the company's removal truck appears and removes the car.

"The whole thing can take just a few minutes and the unfortunate shopper is landed with a massive bill to get their car back.

"On constituent had to travel to the other side of Birmingham and hand over £325.

"Even if someone is parked somewhere they shouldn't be, it is a disgrace that someone can clamp their car and charge whatever they want to release it.

"I am calling for greater regulation of this industry as I feel that it will give greater power to the people who are being charged incredible sums to have their car released after having mistakenly parked in an area being run by a private clamping firm."

Any residents who have had similar ordeals at the hands of clamping firms are urged to email Mr Austin at austini@parliament.uk

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