A motoring group is calling for the ban of all clamping on private land after its research showed as many as one in 10 motorists have been clamped without any independent right to appeal.

The AA has been scathing in its criticism of clampers, calling the current unregulated system ‘bad and immoral’ and adding that some firms were working in a ’shocking and unacceptable manner.’
he recovery firm has cited the current practise of punishing drivers as ‘frightening and often borders on criminality’, citing the case of one woman who was clamped despite still sitting in the car with the engine running after pulling over for a few seconds.

The research also found some people were charged more than £500 to retrieve a towed car.

The AA is calling for the practise to be made illegal and that any form of self-regulation by the industry would not work.

‘Private parking enforcement is big business generating millions of pounds and no-one notices and acts when the rules are broken,’ said Paul Watters from the AA. ‘The public have absolutely no protection if a private parking firm acts unfairly - it is a civil matter and no-one is interested in helping.’

The government plans to overhaul the system of clamping by forcing clampers to register with an approved trade association and be bound by a code of practice.

Patrick Troy, chief executive of the British Parking Association (BPA) that helps regulate the industry, said a code of practice for member companies would be ‘a good first step to improving standards’, but conceded more government action was needed.

‘Our scheme is not perfect and we would welcome working with the AA further on the concerns they raise in their consultation response as we are sure positive solutions can be found by working together,’ he said.

The AA has criticised the BPA for not being truly independent and lacking the powers to regulate the market.

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The Highways Agency is calling on drivers to check their fuel levels before setting off on journeys after more than 15,000 drivers broke down on England’s motorways over a 12-month period after running out of fuel.

Breaking down on the motorway causes disruption to journeys and road users can put themselves as well as other drivers at risk. To reduce the inconvenience and also the hazards involved, the Agency, supported by the Driving Standards Agency, is calling on drivers to check their fuel levels before setting off on journeys.

Agency figures show that 15,788 drivers ran out of fuel on England’s motorways between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 – an average of 43 every day.

The Highways Agency’s Director of Network Operations, Derek Turner, said:

“The number of people breaking down simply because they have run out of fuel is alarming. It’s not only hazardous to the driver and passengers, but to other road users as well, especially if the vehicle has to stop in a live lane.”

“We want drivers to be aware of the risks and also to encourage them to check their fuel level before they set off. It’s important that if you are travelling over long distances, that you continually monitor your fuel level.”

The Driving Standards Agency’s Director for Safer Driving, Trevor Wedge, said:

“Running out of fuel on a motorway can be a risky business. Stopping on the hard shoulder will place you and your passengers in a vulnerable situation that could be avoided.

“Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before driving on to a motorway and don't let the fuel in your tank run too low. Fill up well before the gauge reaches empty and before the warning light comes on.

“Remember that driving at higher speeds, especially when overtaking, will use more fuel and there can sometimes be quite some distance between service stations. Don't be tempted to try to complete your journey on a low tank.”

The Agency’s traffic officers, who patrol the motorways, are also surprised about having to help road users because they are without fuel.

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