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Knutsford clamping penalty refunded after RHA steps in
Page 8
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By David Harris THE FIRM THAT carries out the clamping of trucks at Knutsford Services has agreed to repay the clamping fee issued to one truck after intervention by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) on the haulier's behalf.
The truck, which was from RTS Services, was clamped in June, when its driver made a quick stop for an urgent toilet break.
The case was taken up by RHA Midlands and Western region director Mike Farmer, who persuaded clamping firm CP Plus that a refund was an appropriate course of action. Farmer says the RHA accepts clamping is sometimes necessary, but that often clamping companies can be over-zealous.
He adds: "What upsets us most is if the driver is available but the dampers don't speak to them. We've had cases of drivers being clamped while they're in the cab.
Farmer points out that the British Parking Association's own code of conduct says that if the driver is in the vehicle, then the dampers should talk to them first.
In another case, a driver with an upset stomach, who stopped for a toilet break, was clamped even though he was only out of the cab for five minutes. Furthermore, his vehicle was immobilised on an emergency turning area for coaches. Farmer argues: "It really is illogical to clamp a vehicle so that it stays somewhere where it shouldn't he for any length of time."
Moto, which operates Knutsford Services, explains that trucks were banned from parking at the site four years ago because of a lack of space (`Knutsford scandal rages on', CM 13 November).
In a statement, Moto says: "We dislike having to clamp vehicles but we also dislike drivers who ignore the very clear signage and park in unsafe areas."