Cowboy clampers face severe penalties

The Government confirmed it will introduce a ban as part of a Freedom Bill later this year to end the "menace" of rogue clampers who have caused misery to motorists across the region, a move hailed by motoring organisations as a "victory for justice and common sense".

Ministers condemned the "unscrupulous tactics" of some operators and promised tough penalties for anyone flouting the new law, although the exact penalties have yet to be decided.

The ban will be introduced instead of plans to regulate the clamping industry passed by Labour but never introduced.

Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "Cowboy clampers have had ample opportunity to mend their ways but the cases of bullying and extortion persist.

"That is why we are putting an end to these outrageous practices once and for all to ensure that drivers no longer have to fear intimidation from rogue traders, allowing the parking industry to begin to restore its reputation with the motoring public."

The move comes after a series of cases including teacher Colin Towers, who was forced to walk to a cash machine in Doncaster twice to get his car released despite just having had both his hips replaced.

Former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd is among the victims of infamous clamping firm Carstoppers in Haworth, and there was fury in Sheffield last year when Parking Control Management was accused of making 3,000 an hour after taking over parking enforcement at Meadowhall.

Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton said: "Whilst welcoming this proposal to combat the unacceptable and unreasonable actions of these clampers it is important that we see the details of how it will work in practice and in particular how private land owners will be able to control access to their land in future."

AA president Edmund King said: "An outright ban on wheelclamping on private land is a victory for justice and common sense."

But Patrick Troy, chief executive of the British Parking Association, said: "The Government's plans are a charter for the selfish parker."