Streetlife

in a similar vein, i received a fine for parking in a loading bay. it states this is permissible for 20 mins. Go on line and you will find that this is permissible for commercial BUT for private vehicles it is only 5 minutes. Who else knows that and why is this not made clear on the sign?? I have challenged TFL.

I feel your pain, I got done parking where I thought it was safe near Elliott School. Turns out clamping sign was displayed over 30 meters away in small print in the opposite direction to the school. You'd have to vigilant to find the sign.

Spoke to the council, who couldn't be bothered as they said there was a sign, not there problem about where or how it is displayed.

I worry that if snow or ice cover a permit on a windscreen they might feel entitled to clamp.If the council is employing rogue companies then action could be taken against them.

Advice from the AA (note particularly the bit about "very noticeable, clear and unambiguous sign"):

If you are clamped

• Don't damage or attempt to remove the clamp
• Check for warning signs – take photographs if possible, take notes
• Follow the instructions on the sign or notice applied to your car
• Don't go for confrontation – the clamper may be working within the law
• If you are threatened, intimidated or blackmailed call the police
• When the clamper arrives ask to see the licence – note the details
• If no licence is produced on request ask the clamper to remove the clamp – if the clamper refuses to remove the clamp call the police
• If you see and are satisified with the licence, the release fee is reasonable (e.g.up to around £130) and the signs were clear you should pay up.
• A licensed clamper will provide a receipt.
• Afterwards check the clamper's details with the SIA on 08702 430100 or http://www.the-sia.org.uk – if there is any discrepancy inform the SIA
• Remember a licensed clamper may still act unreasonably. Civil law has defined 'reasonable' as a release fee up to around £130 together with plenty of very noticeable, clear and unambiguous signs
• Clampers can only be challenged in civil courts if the clamping is considered "unreasonable", you will need good evidence, but clampers are hard to challenge and even harder to get into court
• You should report unreasonable action by licensed clampers to the SIA

Thanks Paul, good advice!

Yes thanks too Paul.

Unfortunately the part about having evidence that the clamper acted unreasonably is difficult for me to get as they obviously removed the parking permit twice without anyone seeing.

They then know that nothing will be done to them because they have the law on their side and it is their word against mine. This is why, maybe if I can find others who has has the same treatment from Wing Security, we might have enough complaints for the council or even dare I say police to raise an eyebrow!

I am now waiting for them to be brazen enough to come back a third time. What must I do, superglue the permit to the windscreen?

Not sure how you obtain the evidence. Perhaps if CCTV cameras operate in the area, you might be able to see what happened and use that information. You could buy a micro DVR camera which is triggered by sound and thereby film the culprit - giving evidence to prosecute. These things are getting cheaper all the time. All getting a bit cloak and daggerish maybe? But why, I wonder, is your car so easy to break into, if that's what's happening?

Yes Paul H. I already have sourced a micro DVR camara and recorder which I more likely will set up at least to catch them coming back for a third time. If I can get a video of them breaking into the car, then maybe I can take them to court and get my previous fines back.

Some vehicles with central locking systems can be opened with a skeleton key. You cannot drive them away but you can unlock and relock the doors unfortunately. I have now covered the parking permit on the screen with see through glued film. It wont stop them from removing it but it will give more time for them to get caught in the act.