"We don’t clamp" (From Harrow Times)

"We don’t clamp"

9:55am Friday 24th August 2007 in News By Nadia Sarbout

A COUNCILLOR has condemned local authorities that use clamping to control parking in line with a new Government policy.

Councillor Susan Hall, who is responsible for environmental services at Harrow Council, said: "Councils that clamp are just hampering the flow of traffic and that helps nobody."

Cllr Hall's comments come after the Department for Transport (DfT) announced a new proposal to ban councils using clamping to raise extra funds.

Harrow Council does not clamp in line with its policy to keep the borough moving.

Cllr Hall said: "We don't clamp vehicles and we'll only issue tickets if people have parked illegally or against the rules.

"Our policy is to keep Harrow moving; clamping cars will only make this harder. I don't see any point in using clamps, it just serves to keep the obstruction in place."

The proposal has been issued to all local authorities, but only refers to clampers working on behalf of councils, not those operating on private land.

Cllr Hall said: "There are private clampers that work in Harrow, but they only clamp on private land so we have no control over them."

Victoria Buxton, from the Department for Transport, said: "The proposal aims to be more motorist friendly.

"We are urging councils to only clamp those who persistently evade parking charges and flout the parking laws."