A Galway businessman has received a public apology from the clamping company he successfully sued after his car was wrongfully clamped.
Mr Hugh Duffy, of Duffy's Fishing and Shooting shop on Mainguard Street, said the clampers should show more discretion and humanity towards motorists.
Mr Duffy received a significant four-figure sum on top of his legal costs from Galway Clampers Ltd, who also undertook to print an apology in the City Tribune which they did yesterday.
Mr Duffy returned from work on Thursday, January 25th, 2001, to find his private car had been clamped at noon that day even though it was legally parked at New Road.
He explains: "I am always very careful about where I park, and I would advise all motorists to make sure they are fully aware of the parking by-laws and to take note of signage."
Mr Duffy warns drivers who find their car clamped when they believe it has been legally parked of the importance of preserving the scene and taking photographic evidence.
He said if you have no evidence and you pay the money to have the clamp removed, it is your word against the clamping company. It can take two years to get a case to court, and it is very difficult to remember exactly what happened after two years.
Despite being told he was legally parked, the clampers refused to remove the clamp until Mr Duffy paid the €80 release fee.
The case was due for hearing at Galway Circuit Court last October, but was settled outside the court with a substantial four-figure sum and full costs awarded in Mr Duffy's favour.
