THE decision to outlaw clamping may mean companies have to take responsibility for controlling parking on their own land.

Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone announced this week that immobilising vehicles on private land will be outlawed in the Freedom Bill in November and is looking to Scotland for ideas on how to replace the system.

She told the Harrow Times landowners may have to take responsibility for controlling parking and either barriers or ticketing may be used.

When asked whether fines would be regulated she said no clear plan had been drawn up but "if it was simply to swap from a £300 clamp release fee to a £300 fine that wouldn't work.”

She thanked local papers for highlighting the “menace” of rogue clampers and said: “Reports of motorists being marched to cash points or left stranded after their car has been towed are simply unacceptable.

“A ban on clamping and towing on private land will end this abuse and companies who decide to flout new laws will face severe penalties.”