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Telford MP David Wright has welcomed a major new consultation into plans to subject rogue wheel clamping businesses to tough new regulations which was announced by the Home Office today. The public consultation sets out proposals for licensing wheel clamping firms and 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.
 
David Wright MP said: "This is an issue which affects every driver and is something I have been campaigning on for a number of years. I raised this issue in the House of Commons when I introduced a 10 Minute Rule Bill and I am delighted that the Government is going to be taking action.
 
"Punishing motorists who park inconsiderately or dangerously is totally legitimate as long as they are given fair warning that their actions will lead to clamping, but there are just too many rogue firms who exploit the lack of clarity in the law to rip off the public."
 
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."
 
Mr Wright introduced a 10 Minute Rule Bill into Parliament in March 2007 entitled the Private Parking (Regulation) Bill.
 
The consultation paper can be downloaded from www.homeoffice.gov.uk and from www.the-sia.org.uk.