Friend's car clamped

Ironic Namesake · 10 Nov 2006 at 07:13

Vixen said:
I'm pretty sure that for a car to be clamped/towed/ticketed there have to be signs up saying that it's illegal to park in the area and these actions will be taken. If there were no warnings, the people who took the car wouldn't have much to stand on.

There are signs up in the area (nearly every lampost) which do tell you how much it will cost if your car is clamped/towed. But then again he should be able to do something about it , as £500 is no way a reasonable amount to charge. Especially as lots of cars were parked in the same area , but his the one with the highest value got towed after a very short period of time. Taking this to court shouldn't be a big problem, as his wife is a lawyer, interesting to see what comes out of it in the end

peter_hutson · 10 Nov 2006 at 07:19

OoOverclockaoO said:
as £500 is no way a reasonable amount to charge.

I think this is the key issue. By all means clamp people parking illegally, but the fine has to be proportionate. Otherwise, whats to stop people making in 1000, 5000 pounds. Or for that matter, 25,000 pounds, so by effectively confiscating the car.

To me, it should cost 50 quid to have the clamp removed, plus another 50-100 if they have to make a special trip. A car should only be towed if it is causing an obstruction or is a safety hazard.

Docaroo · 10 Nov 2006 at 10:12

stoofa said:
Now it's the clampers and stories of hacksaws, angle grinders etc.
It really is true - you can say you do whatever you like online, you really can be anyone you dream you want to be...

Think what you will man but I swear that if I ever returned to find my car clamped the next visit would be to hire an angle grinder. There's no way I would pay stupid amounts to those theiving *****.

Slogan · 10 Nov 2006 at 10:49

Docaroo said:
Think what you will man but I swear that if I ever returned to find my car clamped the next visit would be to hire an angle grinder. There's no way I would pay stupid amounts to those theiving *****.

You do know they won't let you take the angle grinder in prison, don't you?

Ironic Namesake · 10 Nov 2006 at 13:10

He went there yesterday and broke in to where it was stored but couldn't get the car out for some reason.

So he is on his way now with another friend to sort it out - wonder what the outcome will be

Murf · 10 Nov 2006 at 13:28

OoOverclockaoO said:
He went there yesterday and broke in to where it was stored but couldn't get the car out for some reason.

So he is on his way now with another friend to sort it out - wonder what the outcome will be

Well I'm damn curious. OcUK update ASAP please.

FakeSnake · 10 Nov 2006 at 13:29

OoOverclockaoO said:
He went there yesterday and broke in to where it was stored but couldn't get the car out for some reason.

So he is on his way now with another friend to sort it out - wonder what the outcome will be

Sounds emminently sensible, breaking and entering. I suspect if he gets the car out, there could ell be a whole world of trouble heading his way, legally.
What if the car was clamped and towed legally (irrespective of the fine size)

Its not something I would recommend one tiny bit

Von Smallhausen · 10 Nov 2006 at 13:33

I would not pay £500.

I would, taking the risk myself, use all means to get the clamp off and would happily leave it by the side of the road.

Visage · 10 Nov 2006 at 13:34

OoOverclockaoO said:
He went there yesterday and broke in to where it was stored but couldn't get the car out for some reason.

So he is on his way now with another friend to sort it out - wonder what the outcome will be

Excellent. SO any claim he makes to try and get the 500 quid back will be immediately met with a counter claim for trespass.

Your mate's a a regular Brainiac.....

Murf · 10 Nov 2006 at 13:37

Visage said:
Excellent. SO any claim he makes to try and get the 500 quid back will be immediately met with a counter claim for trespass.

Your mate's a a regular Brainiac.....

In all fairness, nicking the car back from the cowboys makes much more interesting reading on OcUK, so leave him alone!

If everyone started carrying an angle grinder in the boot of their car and stopped being pussies then maybe we wouldn't have so many idiots clamping everything in sight to make a quick buck.

Burnsy2023 · 10 Nov 2006 at 14:03

This is exaclty the reason why in the boot of my Volvo I carry a trolley jack and a pair of bolt croppers.

I would definetly not pay a £500 release fee.

Burnsy

Ironic Namesake · 10 Nov 2006 at 21:55

He managed to get in, but couldn't get his car out.

He went there today with another mate to discuss the situation and ended up paying £500 via cheque after being confronted by a few huge guys and a dog

He is cancelling the cheque and then seeing what happens from there.

VeNT · 10 Nov 2006 at 22:01

sounds like demanding money with menaces

fatiain · 10 Nov 2006 at 22:43

I noticed a sign in town (Banbury) today. Release fee £117.50!!!!!

Just checked HSS Hire, a 230mm Angle Grinder hire, 11quid.

"andy" · 10 Nov 2006 at 22:51

lol should go back tommorow with more guys and a bigger dog

the outcome would be an interesting read

Ironic Namesake · 10 Nov 2006 at 22:55

andy8271 said:
lol should go back tommorow with more guys and a bigger dog

the outcome would be an interesting read

Not sure what he is going to do but he is furious ... and I gave him the director's address, will see what comes out of it in the end!

VeNT · 10 Nov 2006 at 23:24

I see the headlines tomorrow
Clamping co owner killed with keyboard by irate clampee,

Sone · 10 Nov 2006 at 23:29

Visage said:
Excellent. SO any claim he makes to try and get the 500 quid back will be immediately met with a counter claim for trespass.

Your mate's a a regular Brainiac.....

i thought tresspassing doesent exist in this country?

aix0 · 10 Nov 2006 at 23:32

Set fire to the impound?

Replicant · 10 Nov 2006 at 23:39

OoOverclockaoO said:
He managed to get in, but couldn't get his car out.

He went there today with another mate to discuss the situation and ended up paying £500 via cheque after being confronted by a few huge guys and a dog He is cancelling the cheque and then seeing what happens from there.

LMAO, he was lucky, most of them would have insisted on cash.