Move to regulate clamping industry welcomed

A LOCAL TD has welcomed the publication of draft laws to regulate the clamping industry.

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar published a Bill designed to reward good practice by reputable clampers, and to protect motorists from malpractice.

Minister Varadkar said there were clear laws governing clamping in public places, which allow local authorities to clamp vehicles, either directly or by contract with a clamping company.

“But there is currently no legislation covering the clamping of vehicles which are parked on private property,

? he stated.

“This new Bill will protect motorists and legitimate clamping operators, while penalising bad behaviour by disreputable operators. It would also give motorists a one-stop-shop to seek redress.

“The public is well aware of cases where private clampers have behaved in a manner which gives rise to serious concerns.

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Minister Varadkar added:

“I do not favour an outright ban on clamping on private property, as landowners need to be able to deal with nuisance parking. However, the practice must be regulated.

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Dublin Bay North TD Terence Flanagan (FG) has welcomed the new clamping measures.

“I am very much aware of concerns in my constituency about cowboy clampers and the new clamping legislation being brought forward by the Government will address this problem,

? he said.

“I have received a number of representations from constituents who have been unfairly fined by unregulated clampers and I am confident that this new legislation will successfully address this issue.

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The legislation is currently being drafted following consultation with the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee, which held a number of hearings on the matter and made a report to the Department.

The Bill is being drafted in the Attorney General’s Office and the Minister hopes to introduce it in the Oireachtas later in the year.