Wheel clampers on notice

Wheel clampers have been told to play by new rules limiting what they can charge drivers for parking on private property.

But Consumer NZ’s head of research Jessica Wilson said if the new rules that came in to effect this month failed to rein in the cowboys then the Government would need to consider an outright ban of the practice.

‘‘This is still going to require those rules to be monitored to see how well they are working.’’

The Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill passed in November and made it an offence to charge more than

$100 maximum for wheel clamping.

Before the law change, clampers charged up to $760 to remove clamps.

Clampers must also release a clamped vehicle within a reasonable period after payment is made.

Under the new rules police can issue fines to clamping firms for infringements of up to $1000 for an individual or $5000 for a company.

If convicted, penalties range up to $3000 for an individual and

$15,000 for a company.

But Jake Thomas, the owner of a Mount Maunganui parking enforcement business, said the

Government did not listen to private property owners during the consultation process.

Thomas said he had changed his business model in response to the law change because clamping was no longer profitable on its own.

‘‘I have morphed into a ticketing company, which is actually good for my pocket but it’s not helping the customers’ problems.’’

Thomas said many drivers just ignore the ticket until the accumulated sum gets large enough to be taken to court.

‘‘How would you like it if you came home and someone was parked in your driveway? It is exactly the same thing, it’s property you own or property that you pay for.’’

He was sceptical that the law change would stop people from parking on private property illegally.

The Automobile Association principle adviser Mark Stockdale said the wheel clampers had received a ‘‘bad rap’’ but widespread practices had contributed to their poor reputation.

‘‘They are perceived as cowboys. Motorists that have been wheel clamped believe they have been victims of extortion,’’ Stockdale said.

Jessica Wilson, head of research at Consumer NZ, says the new law needs to be assessed to see if it actually works.