Noone welcomes new clamping laws to outlaw rogue practices

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the publication of the Vehicle Clamping Bill 2014, by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, saying it will ensure that all clamping activities are carried out in a fair and transparent manner, while protecting motorists and legitimate clamping companies who abide by a fair code of conduct.

“This Bill will strengthen the rights of drivers, as it will introduce consistency when it comes to clamping, and it will clearly set out what is allowable in public and private places. There is already legislation around clamping on public roadways, but this new Bill will now regulate private spaces also.

“A ceiling of €100 will be set for clamping release fees, which will come as a relief to many motorists. This is long overdue as some clampers on private property have been charging eye-wateringly high amounts. The Bill also sets out a code of conduct for clampers and introduces a straightforward two-step appeals process for drivers for the first time.

“Anyone who has ever been clamped at an apartment complex or on a private road will have experienced the injustice of the current system. It is not uncommon for motorists to be charged well over €100 to get the clamp released, with no route for recourse or appeal. The hefty fines introduced by this legislation for rogue clampers should ensure much fairer practices from now on.

“The Minister has struck the right balance in terms of motorists’ rights and the rights of private landowners and I hope Dublin motorists will benefit from this consumer friendly and common sense initiative.”

ENDS