Clamping clampdown hit by appeals hitch

The establishment of an appeals panel for those wrongly penalised on private land was a key part of the Crime and Security Bill which became an Act in April this year. But the RAC Foundation said it understood such a panel was unlikely to become reality before 2012 at the earliest.

Even then it will not cover drivers who have been targeted by the increasing number of companies which are turning to the use of tickets.

The foundation said a limited appeals service was currently being set up by the British Parking Association (BPA) which represents parking companies. Initially the scheme will include only a small number of its members. If the pilot is successful it will be extended to all members later next year.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: "This will be a huge disappointment to frustrated motorists ripped off by unscrupulous parking enforcers.

The issue is to be raised in a House of Commons adjournment debate today by long-term anti-clamping campaigner Labour MP for Doncaster Central Rosie Winterton who helped push for the legislation.

"For too long cowboy clampers have been getting away with too much in Doncaster – causing havoc to motorists."