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Consultation launched to tighten regulations for wheel clamping businesses

Consultation launched to tighten regulations for wheel clamping businesses

HOME OFFICE News Release (074/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 30 April 2009

A major new consultation has begun into plans to subject rogue wheel clamping businesses to tough new regulations, the Home Office announced today.

The public consultation, which sets out proposals for licensing wheel clamping firms, will run for 12 weeks. It is an opportunity for members of the public and all interested groups including wheel clamping businesses and motoring organisations to have their say.

The Government's proposals include the introduction of compulsory licensing to tackle the limited number of wheel clamping businesses whose practices include excessive fines for releasing clamped cars, towing cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped and putting up hidden, missing or confusing signs warning drivers that clamping takes place.

Currently, any individual undertaking wheel clamping must hold a frontline licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), with supervisors or directors holding a non-frontline licence. The new proposals could also make it mandatory for the business itself to be licensed to help ensure it upholds standards of conduct, which will be enforced if they are not met.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell, said:

"There are clearly a minority of wheel clamping businesses that indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.

"The Government intends to take firm action to prevent abuses by some of these firms and their employees.

"This consultation paper is designed to canvass views on a range of options for controls and is a vital step towards putting an end to rogue practices by some clampers."

The consultation paper can be downloaded from http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk and from http://www.the-sia.org.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Security Industry Authority regulates the private security industry in Great Britain under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, reporting to the Home Secretary. The 2001 Act requires the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities.

2. This includes the licensing of any individual in England and Wales involved in immobilising vehicles on private land with a view to charging a release fee. It also requires the licensing of anyone involved in blocking in or towing away vehicles for the same purpose, and of those who collect the fee.

3. Businesses are not required to be licensed under the 2001 Act at present. Businesses may, however, seek accreditation under the SIA's voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

4. The Home Office will now develop further proposals for a compulsory licensing scheme, likely to include industry-wide standards for:

- signage, including size and visibility;

- maximum penalties charged and payment methods;

- minimum time between immobilisation and removal;

- providing evidence that a parking infringement has taken place;

- security and location of pound where vehicles are impounded; and complaints and appeals policy.

5. Any enquiries should be directed to Home Office Press Office on 0207 035 3535

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