Beware unlicensed clampers at work

Hundreds of clampers are ignoring a new law requiring them to be licensed.

Only 200 out of Britain's estimated 2,000 clampers successfully applied for a licence, according to figures from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which issues them.

Applications from another 400 are still being processed because they were made late.

If caught operating without a licence, clampers can be jailed for six months or fined up to ?5,000.

An SIA spokesman said: "We thought the new legislation would put some clampers off, but we do not know how many have dropped out altogether or how many private landowners are now considering other methods to control parking."

The RAC Foundat ion advised motorists that if their vehicle is clamped or towed away, they should check that the firm responsible is licensed. Anyone clamped illegally would not have to pay to have their vehicle released.

The licence, which became compulsory this week, is a credit card-sized badge showing the clamper's name, signature, licence number and photograph. It must be worn by the operator so that it is easy to see.

Police had been unwilling to get involved in clamping disputes as they were covered by civil law, but can now intervene as unlicensed clamping has become a criminal offence.