Tribunals to hear clamping appeals

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The Home Office has proposed new regulations giving clamped motorists the right to appeal to independent tribunals if they believe they have been victims of unfair practices.

Motorists in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to take their claims to tribunals which will have powers to hand back excessive fees and force clamping firms to pay compensation.

Under the new plans all clampers will need to get licenses and sign up to a code of conduct.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "The Government is committed to preventing abuses by unscrupulous wheel clamping firms and their employees.

"The introduction of an independent appeals process will for the first time provide independent recourse for motorists who feel aggrieved by unfair practices of rogue clamping businesses.

"The process will form part of the Government's compulsory licensing scheme, which will further regulate the industry and provide a fair system for motorists."

Motoring groups welcomed the move, with RAC Foundation director Stephen Glaister saying that an appeals process was vital to regulate the industry.

He added: "But it is also crucial the new measures extend to those operators who are increasingly ticketing on private land. There must be no loopholes which allow motorists to be fleeced."

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