Cowboy clampers outlawed (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Cowboy clampers outlawed

9:30am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

WHEEL-CLAMPING cowboys have been outlawed from clamping cars on private land by a new law.

Enforcers have been known to slap a clamp on cars even when they are only parked in the wrong place for a few seconds.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell has hailed the law-change, saying cowboy clamping has become a huge problem in the town.

He said: “It has been a real problem in Clacton, particularly in Station Road and the centre of the town.

“Often people just pull over for a few seconds to use a cash machine or post a letter, but that is enough for some of the clampers out there.

“Technically these people shouldn’t be on that land, but it is such a minor infringement, and they become victims of extortion as a result.

“It is nasty and unnecessary, and often the clampers bully people out of their money."

The clampers attach their equipment to a wheel of the car, immobilising it until the driver pays up.

Mr Carswell said the law change would provide a boost to Clacton.

He added: “Shopkeepers tell me business has been picking up, and I think one of the reasons is that the council is working very hard to make Clacton motorist-friendly.

“This will only help that and make our town more accessible.

It is now an offence under the Protection of Freedoms Act to clamp on private land.