Will the British Parking Association Code of Practice really help with disputing against parking enforcement companies?

I find it ironic that on the day you print two letters presenting a balanced view on Clause 56 of the Protection of Freedom Bill, it was widely reported that a wheel clamper had been fined £750. From what I can gather the actual charge was of "impeding a constable in the execution of his duty". However that appears to have been aggravated by his aggressive behaviour. It seems he had clamped unmarked police cars in the hands of plain clothed police officers and would not acknowledge their warrant cards.

This sort of behaviour by clamping cowboys is experienced by Joe Public on a daily basis but with no authority to react or respond. The British Parking Association Code of Practice that you quote is, quite frankly, utter drivel. It tries to set standards but only to those who are members and if you choose not to be a member what standards do you want to hold? If this clause is not seriously addressed then we will only hear the clinking of spurs as the cowboys ride of into that golden sunset.

Asked on 21 January 2012 by TW, Slough

Answered by Honest John
It was the previous Labour government that licensed clampers, actually forcing the police to assist them in any dispute with the drivers they clamped. Now that clamping is being replaced by these new powers to pursue licensed keepers of vehicles for penalties, the new powers are being given to the some of the same people who ran the clamping gangs.

Happily, there will be some control. The British Parking Association is in the process of setting up an independent appeals system that will be in place by the time the Act becomes Law. You can find the BPA Code of Practice at: www.britishparking.co.uk/Approved-Operator-Scheme-...e . The BPA has asked that if I receive further complaints that I feel are justified, I should ask them to register their concern at www.britishparking.co.uk/AOS-Enquiries
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