http://www.sligotoday.ie/details.php?id=10604

Clamping ‘Law Change’ for Sligo

A new Fine Gael bill could change the clamping system currently in operation in Sligo. Although no public clamping vehicles are operating in the town or county, the companies responsible for clamping on private property in Sligo will be affected.

The bill is designed to target rogue clamping companies who unscrupulously overcharge their victims and they will be stamped out under tough new laws published by Fine Gael Transport Spokesman Simon Coveney TD.

In Sligo, several clamping companies implement their policies in private car parks owned by Dunnes Stores, Sligo General Hospital, IT Sligo and several hotels. Fees to release the clamped vehicle range from €60 to €120.

The Vehicle Immobilisation Regulation Bill will make it illegal for a company to clamp a car, unless they are an approved company with an operating licence.

“This Bill will radically transform the clamping industry. For the first time, the industry will be regulated with legally enforceable standards for motorists. It will also protect legitimate clamping operations while stamping out rogue companies.

“Under the current system, anyone can set up as a clamping company on privately-owned land. Companies and individuals of ill repute have been able to operate unscrupulous clamping operations.

Simon Coveney TD said, “Fine Gael’s new Bill would require all clamping companies to be licensed by the National Transport Authority.”

The Bill will include the following;

• A legally enforced code of conduct to protect motorists;
• It will be illegal to clamp a vehicle without a licence;
• A cap on clamping fees;
• Garda vetting of all clamping employees;
• A time limit within which clamps must be removed;
• An independent appeals mechanism for motorists.

“The lack of regulation means many motorists have been preyed upon by unscrupulous operators. At the same time, legitimate clamping operators have taken to wearing stab vests to protect themselves. This chaos cannot continue.

“Car clamping should only ever be used as a last resort. This Bill makes sense for everyone concerned, and should be passed into law as a priority. I hope that all Government and Opposition parties would support these proposals when they come before the Dáil later this year.” concluded Coveney.

Whilst there is no suggestion that any rogue companies are currently plying their trade in Sligo, there have been many occasions where, on private land, the clamped motorist had no option but to pay.The Bill will afford rights to protect the motorist.

The company NCCP are a licensed company operating in Citygate