Car Park Clamps Tourists - The End of the Road for Clampers? in Windsor Now Forum

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Car Park Clamps Tourists - The End of the Road for Clampers?

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Mr Whippy	Car Park Clamps Tourists - The End of the Road for Clampers?	Lead	[-]
Posts: 28 ( 8-Oct-2006 12:51 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	This is the original post on the subject of clamping at the privately owned Thames Avenue (Castle) Car Park. Additional posts include a letter to staff from the 'parking control' company stating revised terms re commissions payable per clamping fee generated. Clamping continues through 2010 and every so often the victims report their experiences here but it seems that government action might outlaw the practice in time for 2011. Please go to last page of the forum to read about the latest developments. _________________________________________________ Yet another part of declining Windsor to be ashamed of ! I ordered a couple of tickets from our smashing Windsor Theatre. When the tickets were delivered there was a warning note, as follows.... "Patrons are advised the owners of the Castle Car Park directly behind the Theatre are actively pursuing a Wheel clamping policy. The on the spot release fee is £120.00" How can this be allowed what dumbo in authority lets this sort of thing happen !! Last Edited By: thamesweb 19-Aug-2010 09:46 AM. Edited 11 times.
thamesweb	Re: Car Park Crooks of Windsor	#1	[-]
Posts: 7135 ( 8-Oct-2006 08:22 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	This was in the news a little while back when a lady was late back to her car and was particularly upset by the clamping. It can happen of course because the car park is privately owned and there is little that the borough can do. The simple answer is not to use the car park.
Mr Whippy	Car Park Crooks of Windsor	#2	[-]
Posts: 28 ( 5-Dec-2006 02:11 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	More of them !! Windsor Arts Theatre in St Leonard's Road, warns that the car park behind tha Arts Centre clamps and charges 300.00 to release you! Last Edited By: thamesweb 1-May-2008 10:17 AM. Edited 1 times.
the jiffle king	Re: Car Park Crooks of Windsor	#3	[-]
Posts: 403 (13-Dec-2006 05:43 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	If your car is clamped, make sure that you ask to see their identification and that all individuals have the right photo ID. They have to be certified and they are not allowed to borrow badges, or not have them displayed. Also be aware that they are not allowed to damage your property in any way shape or form (Nor you to damage theirs) Signage must be appropriate and available at the time of parking, and you can dispute any ticket and the theory says that you can give them an address to invoice if the clamping is in dispute. (It's easier to say than do!) All the best and hope no-one gets caught
the jiffle king	Re: Car Park Crooks of Windsor	#4	[-]
Posts: 403 (19-Dec-2006 02:10 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Be careful if you park on Russell Street (the Campsie Spaces), there is active clamping going on despite the fact the land is owned by 4 parties and there is only one sign. Last night they refused to unclamp someone who had the right sticker on their car as they could not see it (It was clearly visible) We should all rebel against the cowboy bullies who are clampers!!
thamesweb	Curtains for Clamping until an Hour after the Show	#5	[-]
Posts: 7135 ( 6-Apr-2007 04:29 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	RBWM Press Release dated 4th April 07 Its curtain up on a better deal for theatre-goers in Windsor, many of whom have faced an unwelcome final act to their evening out by finding their cars clamped in the privately-owned Castle car park. Following a meeting with the car park managers, the Royal Borough has been notified of a new saving grace period after the end of each performance which means Theatre Royal audiences will be given an hour to get their vehicles out of the car park before the clampers take action. David Lunn, council chief executive, said ongoing public complaints about the over zealous and inflexible approach to clamping taken by the car park operators, had prompted the council to take up the cudgels on their behalf. He said: Many theatre goers have had their evenings ruined by finding their cars clamped after performances. The general feeling was that the clamping company was over zealous and unmoving in its approach and there are countless stories of people being left stranded or having to fork out huge sums of money to get their vehicles freed just because they were late getting out of the theatre. This is not the welcoming image for Windsor we want to present to the public so the council organised a meeting with the owners to get their co-operation for a more flexible system that gives people a short period of grace after the curtain comes down in the nearby theatre. In a letter to the council, the car park managers said it had been agreed with the Theatre Royal: not to clamp - or alternatively release without charge - theatre goers with valid theatre tickets provided they return to their cars by 11.30pm on the night of the performance or one hour after the end of a matine. An additional benefit for all parkers is a 15-minute grace period after the end of their displayed parking time before being clamped. David Lunn added: This is a welcome demonstration of flexibility and it will be much appreciated by people using the Castle car park.
thamesweb	Car Park Clampers on Commission - so no leeway!!!	#6	[-]
Posts: 1038 (28-Apr-2008 02:49 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	We have in our possession a letter from the 'Parking Control Company' contracted to look after the privately run car park in Thames Avenue - NOT to be confused with the Borough Car Park in River Street. The letter states that a number of inadequate sets of photos have been taken by the clamping operatives whenever vehicles are clamped. 'Blue Notices' (presumably some sort of staff information sheet) 'have been issued in the last month notifying teams when photo sets were not complete.' As a result of the above, the letter states that the company has implemented a new procedure as follows (the company's capitalisation and bold text): IF THERE ARE ANY SHORTFALLS IN PHOTOS TAKEN, IN ADDITION TO THE BLUE NOTICES BEING ISSUED, NO COMMISSION WILL BE PAYABLE TO ANY MEMBER OF THE TEAM FOR THAT VEHICLE. IF THERE IS A COURT CASE AND WE LOSE DUE TO INADEQUATE PHOTOS AVAILABLE FOR THE VEHICLE, THE TEAM OF OPERATIVES WHO IMMOBILISED THE VEHICLE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE WHOLE FINE/REFUND/COSTS. No wonder that visitors to Windsor are clamped and are so understandably aggrieved. Last time I walked by the car park there was a white van parked in the middle with two operatives, complete with sheafs of notes about vehicles parked, so that as a the clock ticked by they could pounce and qualify for their commission. The white van in which two operatives watch over parked cars and clamp any vehicles overstaying their paid time If people chose to make their living this way, it is in my view very sad. What is worse is the image it portrays to visitors who are, for one reason or another, caught by the clampers. We have already seen in the local papers a number of reports of disabled drivers being clamped, tourists, or theatre goers who have been delayed perhaps by a show over-running, or for whatever other reason, yet this company, and the owners of the car park, seem to care little and will grab their £120 within seconds of a so-called 'offence' being committed. As I say, it is not the way that I would like to make a living. For the record, the parking control company has a contract with the car park owners who pay them nothing for their services. The clamping company makes its income solely from clamping release fees. The employees make a significant amount (perhaps all) of their income from a percentage of the release fees yet are liable if any clamped victim wins a claim against the company in the courts. Although the Parking Control Management (UK) Ltd claims to fully train their staff, no training can overcome the problems that a commission-based pay system will generate. I think the owners of the car park should cancel their contract straightaway and take on a more human face in the running of their business. They might claim that they must enforce their parking rules strictly, (and in fairness their large sign does state 'NO FREE PARKING') in case motorists abuse these rules and deliberately try to park for free, but the truth is that the vast majority of the parking public are law abiding and reasonable and will return to their cars and drive away within their purchased time. And what about all those motorists who pay for an amount of time, yet vacate their place way before their time is up. Refund?? No chance!!! I would like the RBWM to investigate the operation of this car park and see what can be done to halt this profiteering from the public. Last Edited By: thamesweb 28-Apr-2008 03:50 PM. Edited 3 times.
Pat Larkin	Parking question	#7	[-]
Posts: 94 (29-Apr-2008 08:08 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Where would you suggest we park on our next Windsor visit, please? Somewhere quite close to Peascod Street and somewhere we WON'T be clamped... my husband says we should drive to our friend's home in Dedworth, leave the car there, then bus into town now that we've got these new improved bus passes that cover the whole country, well, England. Thanks for any suggestions.
thamesweb	Parking in Windsor	#8	[-]
Posts: 1043 (29-Apr-2008 08:46 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	King Edward Car Park off Arthur Road is fine I guess, and close to Peascod Street. I am not aware that they use clamps! Parking in Windsor Parking in Dedworth then getting the bus into town is fine if you have the time. Personally I hate public transport, even if it is free! Much prefer to walk, but as I should be getting MY free bus pass too soon, I might change my mind!
Pat Larkin	Parking in Windsor	#9	[-]
Posts: 96 (29-Apr-2008 02:46 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thanks, thamesweb. I clicked on the link you gave, saw all the colours and the 'key', thought I understood it.....only to read, further down, that some of these facilities may have been changed....We really don't mind walking or climbing steps/inclines, so perhaps the Old Gasworks area might be the best option, which is where you've suggested I think...King Edward Car Park. We've had bus passes for 'several' years now, but have used them, as a couple, once......it's not that we're anti-public transport, it's mainly the standing and waiting that gets to us. Patience grows thin, with age!!!!! I saw on the link, a parking meter in a street and got the feeling that this might be Albert Street, I could be wrong. It just looked familiar. I hope you've got your photo ready for when you apply for your bus pass....I don't recognise 'me' on my pass, I'm sure it's someone else!
thamesweb	More complaints...	#10	[-]
Posts: 1485 ( 9-Oct-2008 11:50 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	The RWWS has received several more complaints from visitors to Windsor about being clamped in the Castle Car Park. The borough really must try and find a way of warning everyone about the dangers of overstaying at this car park as they leave our town with really bad feelings when they get clamped. Remember that the staff at the car park are on commission for each clamp fitted so are unlikely to want to show the slightest generosity of spirit to our guests.
kenhsilver	Clamping at Castle Carpark- a blight on the local community	#11	[-]
Posts: 1 (13-Oct-2008 01:48 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Recently, I had the misfortune to park in the Castle Car Park. The cash payment machines were not working (all four) and not knowing the area I ended up paying at another machine close by. Several other people there at the same time in the same position also paid at this machine. When I returned my car was clamped and it cost me £125 to release it. My parking ticket was valid in the River Car Park and not the Castle Car Park. My written appeal was answered with what looks to be a form letter denying any claim. It also stated that the cash payment machines were working, which was of course untrue. Other people caught the same way that night will verify this. Obtaining exorbitant "fines" by this method of entrapment may be legal but it does leave a bad impression for visitors to Windsor. The area does attract many visitors and tourists who, if caught in this car park will leave thinking that the local community condones this practise. Windsor, with many local businesses and attractions who depend on these visitors really deserves better than this.
thamesweb		#12	[-]
Posts: 1505 (14-Oct-2008 11:43 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I am very sorry that this company has caught you and it seems many others. It will be little consolation I know but every Windsorian who is aware of this state of affairs deplores it, but I suspect that as the private company concerned continues to make substantial sums of money in this way, they will not stop. It is big business and only government intervention and a change in the law will have any effect. What is needed is a law that prevents the immobilisation of a vehicle, along the lines of the law of false imprisonment. As I have said earlier, I would not dream of making my living in such an underhand manner, but sadly there are those out there who think it is acceptable. What a shame. The borough car parks, and there are a number around the town, do not imprison your car if you overstay the time allowed on your parking ticket.
kenhsilver	Castle Car Park	#13	[-]
Posts: 2 (15-Oct-2008 12:40 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thank you thamesweb. I was caught on the evening of October 2. Fortunately I was able to swap contact details with some others in the same position that night. We do not believe that four cash payment machines not working for a period of time was a coincidence. If anybody else reading this was also clamped that night (or any other time) as a result of the cash payment machines in Castle Car Park not operating please contact me via kenh@familyhansen.net. The more witnesses to this scam the better the chance we have of exposing it!
Howard13	Wheelclampers of Windsor in action again after ticket machines were unusable.	#14	[-]
Posts: 1 (25-Mar-2009 10:43 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	At least 12 motorists returned to their cars last night to find their cars clamped in Windsor last night (24 March 2009). Earlier on arrival at the River Street car park they had discovered that machines were unusable and were unable to obtain tickets to display in their cars. Police were called to the scene after threats to delay release by 2 hours were made by the wheelclampers after photographs were being taken to provide evidence that it was not just a coincidence that so many many drivers had been caught out. Unfortunately the police advised that they were powerless to act on provide land and advised following the Parking Control Management (UK) Limited formal appeal procedure. However one of the police officers did provide his ID and indicated he would be prepared to cooperate with any subsequent enquiry. The release fee was £120 or £125 by credit card.
the jiffle king		#15	[-]
Posts: 120 (25-Mar-2009 02:13 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	The first thing to do if you are clamped is to ask for the clampers ID. Take a note of the number and the numbers of any "goons" with them. If you do not believe that the fine is valid, you are entitled to offer your address, state that the fine is not valid and ask them to bill you for it. (Only if you believe that the fine is not valid) If they refuse, they are in breach and you then have the opportunity to sue them which is not a great action, but at least gives you a lever. If they refuse to unclamp you, call for the Police and state that legally you are entitled to give your address and that your car is being held illegally. This should spur them into action. You should also ask for the registered address of the clamping company and if possible, take the photographs of those who clamped you. (They will not like this, but it is perfect ly legal and sometimes, these companies use false ID's) Also check that the land you have been clamped on is: 1) Owned by them or they have an appropriate contract. 2) That for each piece of land (There is one in Windsor where they clamp which is actually owned by 4 people) there is appropriate signage for each piece of land 3) That the signage was in full view when you entered the car park/piece of land T-J-K
sreckie	Castle Car Park Clamping	#16	[-]
Posts: 1 (30-Mar-2009 12:37 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I was shocked to return to our rental vehicle yesterday after enjoying the Castle and lunch with my 80 year old mum. I am a US resident, and we decided to stop by Windsor on the way to Heathrow. When I returned to the car, the wheel was clamped. When I checked the time on our parking pass, it said 14.07, and my watch said 14.05. I didn't realize that the UK shifted the clock an hour forward on Saturday night, and that my watch was an hour late 125 pounds later, we were able to leave the Car Park. I felt extorted ! I didn't realize that the people that showed up were a private company, as I thought that they were police or city employees. I would have requested more for my rights... I called the number on the ticket, and within seconds two people appeared. They tried to look compassionate, but they insisted that there was nothing that they could do. They admitted that the reasoning seemed logical. I wrote a note to Councillor Rayner, and am also hopign that anyone on this forum might be able to help. I really don't have high hopes for my appeal process, and I am reading that the company pays their people commission on the tickets. I greatly welcome any assistance and offer any assistance in any US based situations if they ever arise. Warmest regards, Stephan sreckie@gmail.com
the jiffle king		#17	[-]
Posts: 121 ( 1-Apr-2009 07:19 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I don't think that as you are appealing to the people who issued the ticket that you really have any chance of getting your money back. In fact, I woudl go as far as to say that they will never give you a refund. I think your only chance is to ask for the registrations and photo's of the people who clamped your car and to make sure that they are registered with the clamping governing body (This probably won't make any difference as they now have your cash)
ccw	Tow Away Robbery	#18	[-]
Posts: 1 (14-Apr-2009 08:31 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	We parked at the back of Woolworths on Bachelors Acre over the Easter weekend - when it was Woolworths it was fine to park here (we used to live in Windsor years ago, and came back to visit), but big mistake over the weekend - car towed away (apparently it was clamped first, bit we are not so sure) to Maidenhead by a private clamping firm, Trinity. It cost a mere £425 to retrieve it - this is daylight robbery. How can the clampers justify this amount of money? We were expecting maybe £150- £200, but £425? This practise needs to be regulated or outlawed.
thamesweb		#19	[-]
Posts: 1687 (15-Apr-2009 09:39 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Towed away!!! My first reaction is that must be illegal and that only the police have such powers, but perhaps it is permissible. I suppose you should consult a solicitor to ensure that the company is acting within the law, and there is always the chance that a solicitor's letter might result in a refund of some sort, though I am no expert and these people, having found an opportunity to rip people off, look for every opportunity to do so, then drive around in extremely expensive cars and somehow manage to purchase mansions here and in Spain or the Caribbean. Not my type of people I freely admit. In any event I agree that it is now time that the government does something about this unsatisfactory state of affairs. First step would be Adam Afriyie MP to get him on board. I note that Scottish law does not permit such underhand, cowboy behaviour.
spranglebolt	woolworths	#20	[-]
Posts: 25 (15-Apr-2009 09:03 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Leaving aside questions surrounding the amount involved, it seems surprising that woolworth administrators would be paying out to retain services of a parking control company. But I don't know how you'd be able to confirm this. Were warning signs prominently displayed? RBWM seem powerless, despite the fact that anyone caught out by these scams will never visit the town again. And Adam A, who started so very well (I voted for him), appears to have gone Westminster native. Perhaps enlisting the aid of our local newspapers (such as they are these days) might get a result? I fear you may be on a loser here, but the whole situation stinks.