Drivers celebrate the death of the cowboy clamper
Friday, 20 August 2010 9:55 AM
Clamping on private land is to be made illegal.
Drivers across the country are celebrating as the government announces new legislation that will end the reign of the "cowboy clamper".
Equalities and criminal information minister Lynn Featherstone said that the government was committed to "ending the menace" of rogue clampers once and for all.
From November, it will be illegal for any firm to clamp or tow a vehicle from private land, with transgressors facing fines and jail terms.
"Reports of motorists being marched to cash points or left stranded after their car has been towed are simply unacceptable," said Ms Featherstone.
More than 2,000 existing clamping licences will be revoked, while stories of drivers having to pay over £500 to release their cars or be stranded will be a thing of the past.
Reacting to the news, the AA said the new legislation was a victory for common sense, denouncing the current practices as nothing short of theft and extortion.
