Smith crackdown on cowboy clampers

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Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she wanted to force clamping firms to be licensed by the industry regulator and set up an easier appeals process for drivers who think they are unfairly treated.

It is hoped the moves will help end practices used by "rogue" clampers such as sky-high release charges, towing vehicles away unreasonably quickly and not putting up clear warning signs that clamping is in force.

Ms Smith said: "The licensing of individual wheel clampers has gone a long way to reducing criminality and improving standards in the industry, but it has become clear that the existing licensing scheme does not address all the concerns the public have.

"There are clearly a minority of clamping companies indulging in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.

"That is why we intend to look carefully at how we can introduce a scheme for compulsory licensing of clamping companies and will publish proposals shortly."

Currently, all individual clampers and bosses must hold a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). But the proposals would mean the firm itself must be licensed and comply with a code of conduct.

The Home Office said a consultation will be launched later this month.

SIA chief executive Bernard Herdan said: "Vehicle immobilisation is a sector that faces criticism due to the nature of the work it does and the behaviour of some operatives in the industry.

"In response to concerns over practices in the sector we have set out how wheel clampers could be more tightly regulated through a new company licensing scheme."