Tribunals for victims of clampers

The change in the law, revealed by the Home Office, will affect motorists in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and means clamping companies could be forced to pay back excessive fees and award drivers compensation.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell yesterday said the scheme would mean all clampers would be licensed and have to sign up to a code of conduct.

Mr Campbell said: "The Government is committed to preventing abuses by unscrupulous wheel clamping firms and their employees.

"The introduction of an independent appeals process will

for the first time provide independent recourse for motorists who feel aggrieved by unfair practices of rogue clamping businesses.

"The process will form part of the Government's compulsory licensing scheme, which will further regulate the industry and provide a fair system for motorists."

The move was welcomed by Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, who said: "Finally Ministers have acted, and the licence to print money which many cowboy clampers believe they have seems about to be revoked."