Private wheel clamping to be banned from 1st October 2012

From 1st October 2012, it will be illegal to clamp, tow away or immobilise a vehicle without lawful authority to do so. Anyone who breaks the law will face criminal charges and a fine if convicted.

This will ban most clamping and towing by anyone other than the police, local authorities, government agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) - plus other bodies acting in accordance with statutory or other powers, such as railway stations and airports. Bodies with lawful authority to clamp and tow may continue to contract out this work to private companies.

DVLA and VOSA will continue to clamp or tow vehicles which are un-roadworthy or have not had their vehicle tax paid.

Further information at this link from Directgov Newsroom