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Clamped by City Watch Parking

I am writing on behalf of my 78 year old father who got clamped yesterday by this 'City Watch' he parked for 15 mins to go into his doctors. He didn't realise until his return and being clamped that there was a sign behind where he had parked about restrictions.

We agree he was in the wrong but this company took £455 off of him to release his car from the clamp. As the tow truck had been called by then the charge made up the majority of the fine.

These modern day highway robbers must have been waiting as he was gone 15 minutes! We know he was liable to pay a charge but £455!?

Can they get away with this? He is a pensioner & could ill afford to part with this sort of money!

Asked on 18 March 2011 by roweslady

Answered by Honest John
Unfortunately, until clamping on un-barriered private land is banned by a bill this year, they can do this. Part of the chaotic legislation we just got rid of brought in new legislation that was supposed to control private clamping and instead legalised it. He might be able to get the money back by appealing to the owners of the land.
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