Clampers contribute fine portion to charities
04/08/2010
A firm of Southampton wheel clampers is trying to rehabilitate its image by donating a portion of each release fee to charity.
Sean Knowlson, managing director of Cobra Security, said they have always sought to be fair and ethical but all clamping firms have ended up being tarred with the same brush. They are now trying to definitively escape that label by giving 15 per cent of all their fines to a charity of the client's choice.
Mr Knowlson said the aim of the scheme was to try to alleviate the poor press and image the public have of wheel clampers, as well as providing important funding for local charities.
"We are just providing a necessary service for our clients, many of whom have suffered horrific issues including damage to their property by unauthorised parking," he said.
"It also means I have the opportunity as a business to contribute something to the local community."
They are thought to be the only clamping firm in the country to operate such a policy. Local charities Wessex Cancer Trust and the Rose Road Association, as well as the Blue Cross animal welfare charity and The Door UK, a prisoner support charity, will get £22.50 of each £150 release fee.
Cobra hit the headlines at Christmas when it clamped cars that had been abandoned in a pub car park during a blizzard.
Sean Knowlson, managing director of Cobra Security, said they have always sought to be fair and ethical but all clamping firms have ended up being tarred with the same brush. They are now trying to definitively escape that label by giving 15 per cent of all their fines to a charity of the client's choice.
Mr Knowlson said the aim of the scheme was to try to alleviate the poor press and image the public have of wheel clampers, as well as providing important funding for local charities.
"We are just providing a necessary service for our clients, many of whom have suffered horrific issues including damage to their property by unauthorised parking," he said.
"It also means I have the opportunity as a business to contribute something to the local community."
They are thought to be the only clamping firm in the country to operate such a policy. Local charities Wessex Cancer Trust and the Rose Road Association, as well as the Blue Cross animal welfare charity and The Door UK, a prisoner support charity, will get £22.50 of each £150 release fee.
Cobra hit the headlines at Christmas when it clamped cars that had been abandoned in a pub car park during a blizzard.
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