Motorists who have been clamped are being asked to get in touch with a Dudley borough MP so he can gather case studies to present to a government inquiry.
Drivers across Dudley are falling foul of car-clamping companies who often charge extortionate fees to release the vehicles, he says. Even disabled drivers have been ordered to cough up vast sums of money after their cars were towed away, according to Dudley North MP Ian Austin. He said there had been reports of intimidating tactics from some firms.
Many drivers have told their story to Mr Austin who branded the clampers “out-of-control” and pledged to get the Government to act.
One man told the MP he was charged £680 after parking for 10 minutes after having been promised by the clamping company that he was allowed to park. Six men surrounded his car and even threatened to tow it away with him inside, he said.
Following a high-profile campaign an official inquiry by the House of Commons has now been launched into private car clamping companies.
But the MP is keen for drivers to come forward so he can submit their stories anonymously to the inquiry to show the scale of both the charges and the behaviour of these companies.
He said: “I’m very pleased our voices have been heard and that these companies will soon be made to justify their behaviour.
“The way some clamping companies are operating is a total disgrace.
“I have been utterly appalled by some of the stories I have heard and I look forward to presenting these stories to the Home Affairs Committee.
“However I want to make sure that anyone who has been a victim of these extortionate fines and unacceptable behaviour has their say. If you have been a victim please post or email your story to me as soon as possible.
“The system is almost totally unregulated.
“Companies can clamp cars immediately, load them onto trucks and charge what they like before giving them back.”
The investigation follows a visit by the Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP to Dudley to hear first hand the problem people are facing.
People can write to Ian Austin MP, Turner House, Wrens Nest Road, Dudley, DY1 3RU or by email austini@parliament.uk
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