Cowboy Wheel Clampers soon to be outlawed

12.00.00am GMT Tue 4th Feb 2003

'Cowboy' wheel clamping companies who have used 'bully boy' tactics to fleece motorists, will be made illegal under a new law coming into effect on 1 April.

MP Vincent Cable, who has campaigned for the law after taking up the cases of several residents who faced bills of hundreds of pounds after minor parking infractions, said:

"I am pleased that action is being taken to report these companies and make them comply with guidelines of good practice."

"There have been some harrowing cases locally of 'cowboy' companies operating in station car parks in Twickenham and smaller stations like Hampton Court."

"Unfortunately the new law will only kick in for private land at the end of the year. But if anyone has bad experiences I would encourage them to write to me and I will put the cases in front of the new Security Industries Board."