Tyred of wheel clamping? Don’t get caught out whilst shopping this Christmas says Citizens Advice
22nd December 2005
New guidance about where you can and can’t park on private land has been published by problem-solving charity Citizens Advice.
Christmas is nearly upon us, town centres are chock-a-block, people are rushing to do last minute shopping and parking places are in short supply. This new self-help guide is a useful resource for people to find out where their car could be wheel-clamped when parking on private land (including private car parks) and what to do if they get caught out this Christmas.
The new guidance is available at www.adviceguide.org.uk in the fact-sheet section under travel. It sets out in easy to understand language the rules surrounding wheel-clamping on private land, explaining in which circumstances a car is likely to become clamped and when your car must not be clamped.
Another section deals with what people should do if they get their car clamped whilst parking on private land and what to do if their vehicle is towed away. Also included is advice on how you can check to see if a wheel-clamper is licensed and how to report them if they are not.
Some important facts to know about wheel-clamping are:
- You may be clamped if you have parked across two spaces instead of one, or you have parked dangerously, or blocked an emergency access.
- In order for you to be legally clamped, there must be notices up where you can clearly see them, warning that unauthorised vehicles will be clamped.
- You must not be clamped if your vehicle displays a valid disabled badge.
Citizens Advice Head of Public Information Liz Seward said:
"Christmas is getting nearer, shoppers are flocking to town centres and people are rushing around with last minute errands - often with too many things on their mind. Many will people could easily fall victim to getting their car clamped because they are pressed for time or do not realise that they are breaking the rules. This handy guide aims to give people some reliable information about what to do if their vehicle gets clamped, and in which circumstances their car could be wheel-clamped on private land.
"We also want to help people to spot a cowboy wheel-clamper. All wheel-clampers on private land must be licensed. People should always ask to see their license and ask who the wheel-clamper works for."
"People can access our fact sheet at www.adviceguide.org.uk to find out more about wheel clamping and where they can go to get help if they need it."
Last updated: February 22, 2007