MP welcomes Labour Government clampdown on clampers

Diana Johnson MP has welcomed the Government's announcement that new rules will be drawn up and consulted on to regulate the conduct of wheel-clamping companies.

The statement from the Home Office follows the Hull North MP's recent informal discussions with ministers and the case earlier this month of Hull North constituent Michael Lea who spent two days living in his van after being clamped by Sector Security Ltd in Hull's Princes Avenue.

In the past two weeks, Diana has raised the issue of parking enforcement on private land with Home Office Minister Alan Campbell MP and Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Following my informal talks with ministers over the past fortnight, I welcome the Government's intention to clampdown on the unfair activities of certain private clamping firms.

"Because it is important that we get the new rules right, that they are fair and that they address every unreasonable practice that has been highlighted recently, I am pleased that the Government's proposals will be consulted on.

"Consultation will provide an opportunity to consider the choices to be made on issues such as how far the maximum fees should be allowed to differ from local authority parking fines, methods of payment, standards of signage and even about the very use of wheel clamps.

"With this consultation in mind, I would still encourage Hull people to send in their stories about unfair treatment by clampers to local MPs or through the local media. They can also sign my website petition against the clampers at www.dianajohnson.co.uk.

"I would also renew my appeal to organisations in Hull who still employ the services of clamping firms to reflect carefully on whether they want the methods that have been exposed used in their name. Alongside Government regulation, local organisations have a role in driving unfair clamping practices out of Hull."