Call for clamping regulation

A CALL for the regulation of private clampers has been made by the AA. It follows disquiet from the Consumer Association of Ireland and others over what are described as “heavy handed tactics” by some private clampers.

The AA’s call also comes after motorists complained of being clamped in neighbourhoods while attending church services.

Private clamping is banned in Scotland, and the AA in Britain has called for a ban in England and Wales. Since 2005 the UK government requires clampers to obtain a licence from the UK’s security industry authority.

In a statement yesterday AA Ireland said it had put a proposal to the Department of Transport “to introduce a system of regulation of private clamping companies”.

While the association accepted it was “entirely reasonable that locations like apartment complexes, sporting facilities and commercial premises be entitled to ensure they have access to their own parking spaces”, private clamping could be “exploitative, intimidating and unfair”.

"This should be stopped by regulating the sector before it develops the same sort of problems that have occurred in Britain," director of policy Conor Faughnan told The Irish Times.

It proposes standards including the licensing of private firms by local authorities; bringing fees in line with those charged by local authorities in the same area; and a proper complaint and appeals process.