Industry welcomes private clamping ban
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THE GOVERNMENT'S decision to ban wheel clamping on prive land has been welcomed by the industry, which has long condemn( the practice of HGV drivers being charged up to £250 to release th vehicle at truckstops and other sites.
The ban will also prevent vehicles being towed away. Owners private land can continue to issue a charge for incorrect parking, al it that is not paid, they can resort to the civil courts.
Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy the Freight Transport Association, says: "Plans to ban wheel clarr ing on private land will be welcome news for many. Where is t logic behind rooting a vehicle to the spot if it is supposedly unvv come and causing an obstruction?" He adds that a fairer soluti would be "some form of retrospective payment".
However, transport lawyer Tim Ridyard thinks the ban may lead consequences: 'dampers may try to increase their rates to redrE the balance."
John Bell, transport manager of Huntapac Produce in Preston, t lieves that "getting rid of clamping is a good thing," adding that th( are many "cowboys" in the sector.
The ban on clamping forms part of the Freedom Bill, due to be troduced in November.