New rules to clean up clamping

Legislation to license wheel clampers who operate on private land is set to be introduced by the Government.

Scotland has outlawed clamping on private land since 1992, but the practice is allowed in England and Wales.

The planned legislation, announced in the Queen's speech, will also limit the size of fines levied by clampers, regulate towing-away practices and set up an effective and fair appeals process.

Motoring organisations that have been campaigning against private-land clampers have welcomed the move.

Motoring charity RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: "Motorists everywhere will be relieved to finally hear of the Government's commitment to tackle the menace of cowboy clampers."

"It seems ministers have at last listened to the hundreds of thousands of drivers who have been fleeced by rogue operators. It is critical that the Bill be published quickly and put before Parliament before a general election, so public confidence in this essentially lawless area can be restored."

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