My first parking ticket

[Invertigo]

Yay!

It was a pub car park last night. Went to collect this morning and had a ticket. Now, as it was a private company who witnessed my car being parked for a grand total of 5 minutes according to the ticket, I assume I just chuck it away and ignore any threatening letters?

From what I understand, these companies like to make threats and make it seem like they'll screw you over if you don't pay. However, for them to even consider being able to fine you, they have to have indisputable proof it was you who parked the car, and even if they do you're only actually liable for what it would have cost to park there. Correct?

 

[AtreuS]

Yup chuck it away and be glad they didnt clamp you

 

[TheDean]

What you had was an invoice on your car...Get pics / scans up if you can for the lulz

 

[Invertigo]

I thought there was a change to the law in December/January or similar that makes clamping on private property illegal. My brother got clamped in Feb, he phoned the police who ordered the parking company to come and remove it. Job done!

 

[stoofa]

I thought there was a change to the law in December/January or similar that makes clamping on private property illegal. My brother got clamped in Feb, he phoned the police who ordered the parking company to come and remove it. Job done!

Not as far as I know.
It was going to be introduced in a bill in February this year with the aim on it becomming law by the end of the year.

I don't think it's illegal to clamp on private land yet?

 

[mattyfez]

Yeh just forget about it and ignore any letters you get.

When it does become illegal, I was wondering where one would stand if you remove an illegal clamp yourself with an angle grinder? would it be Criminal damage in light of the fact they have illegally immobilised you in the first instance?

 

[Jamauk]

I thought there was a change to the law in December/January or similar that makes clamping on private property illegal. My brother got clamped in Feb, he phoned the police who ordered the parking company to come and remove it. Job done!

I thought that was only in Scotland.

Anyway, as previously said: private company = Ignore Parking ticket.

 

[Invertigo]

Ah yes, it's not passed through Parliament fully yet.

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/protectionoffreedoms.html

Protection of Freedoms Bill 2011

Part 3: "Protection of Property from Disproportionate Enforcement Action"

54. Offence of immobilising etc. vehicles

A person commits an offence who, without lawful authority -
immobilises a motor vehicle by the attachment to the vehicle, or a part of it, of an immobilising device, or
moves, or restricts the movement of, such a vehicle by any means, intending to prevent or inhibit the removal of the vehicle by a person otherwise entitled to remove it.

 

[Invertigo]

When it does become illegal, I was wondering where one would stand if you remove an illegal clamp yourself with an angle grinder? would it be Criminal damage in light of the fact they have illegally immobilised you in the first instance?

I'd imagine they could still technically sue you for criminal damage. Even though you would have been clamped illegally, you then willingly caused damage to their property.

 

[jon86]

In England and Wales, wheel-clampers operating on private land must be individually licensed by the Security Industry Authority. Operating in such circumstances without a valid license, or in breach of its conditions (which include displaying ID at all times), is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The Protection of Freedoms Bill 2011 seeks to make wheel-clamping on private land illegal.

...
When it does become illegal, I was wondering where one would stand if you remove an illegal clamp yourself with an angle grinder? would it be Criminal damage in light of the fact they have illegally immobilised you in the first instance?

I would imagine that you would have to ring the police and ask them to get the company to remove the clamp.