Clamping
Contents
On the road
If vehicles are parked illegally on roads, they'll be clamped. The wheel can only be clamped by an 'approved' device that is placed by the police or other authorised persons. A notice will be fixed to the vehicle stating how it can be released. There will be a fee to release the clamp. It's an offence to interfere with a clamping device.
On private property
Clamping, towing and immobilising of vehicles parked on private land are illegal in England and Wales.
In Northern Ireland, only unlicensed vehicles can be clamped. There will be a consultation in Northern Ireland to determine whether the ban in England and Wales will be extended to Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, clamping on private land is unlawful because it is seen as extortion.
What is the law guide
The Desktop Lawyer law guide aims to present the law to you in a comprehensive yet jargon-free and easy-to-read format. Our law guide is constantly kept up to date with changes in business and family law by our team of in house solicitors, and includes information across all the legal jurisdictions in the UK.
Our law guide is free to use. Where we provide documents related to this area of law, or where they may help you with any legal issue in this area, they will be listed to the right of this message.