Safe Speed Forums

Wheel-clamp profits to be banned
By Sophie Borland
Last Updated: 4:12am BST 16/08/2007

Traffic wardens should no longer clamp cars for single breaches of parking offences under new guidelines issued by the Government.

Clamps should only be used if a vehicle repeatedly breaks regulations while cars will have to be released within an hour of payment of the fine, the Department of Transport has said.

Under new guidelines issued by Ruth Kelly, the Transport Secretary, town halls have also been told they should not set targets to increase the amount of revenue from parking fines or the number of tickets to be issued, amid concerns about the profits made from the activity.

Recent figures show that in 2005 councils made £1.16 billion from parking fines alone, compared to just £638 million in 1997.

Although local authorities decide on parking rules, the Government has warned them clamps should only be used in "limited circumstances" and that they should consider the inconvenience the clamps cause to owners.

The guidelines, which were issued in a document sent to councils last week, state that they should consider "the inconvenience caused to motorists whose vehicles are clamped or removed, the potential obstruction or loss of parking space that results from immobilisation, and the impact that clamping and removals can have on public perceptions of parking wardens."

The document also states: "Clamping and removal at night is particularly discouraged because of the extra inconvenience and the potential danger to vulnerable motorists."

Under the new suggestions, cars should be released within an hour of payment and councils will only be able to tow them away to the pound when they are obviously obstructing the flow of traffic.

Rosie Winterton, the Transport Minister, said: "There is a perception that motorists are often unfairly penalised by parking attendants who are only interested in issuing as many tickets as possible.

"We want to ensure that the penalties they issue are fair and justified."

Recent figures show that in 2005 councils made £1.16 billion from parking fines alone, compared to just £638 million in 1997.