The British Parking...

The British Parking Association has prepared the code which includes recommended tariffs for clamping and towing, and a clear, authoritative standard of unacceptable clamping behaviour against which Small Claims Courts and Trading Standards can measure legal cases.

The RAC Foundation, which is throwing its weight behind the Code, has criticised the "huge loopholes" in current legislation which allows clampers to make up fines as they see fit, and to employ convicted criminals to intimidate motorists into paying.

Typical abuses by wheel-clamping companies, as reported to the RAC Foundation include impounding vehicles on petrol station forecourts, clamping disabled badge-holders in disabled bays, and putting up signs to mislead drivers, then removing the signs and clamping the duped vehicles.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, said "We want this Code of Practice to be given the force of law as a mandatory part of the licensing procedure. We still need more action to get these modern day highwaymen under control."