Clamping boss hits back at MP's accusations
21/07/2010
A parking firm that was singled out for criticism in a House of Commons debate has hit back at claims that it demands "extortionate" clamping fees from illegal parkers.
Wheatley-based Parkrite UK was condemned by the MP for Doncaster Central, Rosie Winterton. Ms Winterton said she had been carrying out a long campaign against rogue clampers and had received "endless complaints" about that company in particular.
The bosses of the company have hit back at her aspersions, however, highlighting that they are fully licensed by the Security Industry Authority, and that all their staff drive marked vehicles and wear uniforms.
Company spokesman, Jamie Thornton, said the company had never been prosecuted for anything and had, in fact, worked with the police on an investigation of vehicle thefts. Despite not being a member of the British Parking Association, he added that they still made sure they kept in line with the Association's standards.
"Our signs are not concealed and each site has multiple signs," he said.
"With regard to 'extortionate fees' the guideline for fees as published by BPA are £120 wheel clamp fine, £245 towing fee and £30 per day storage."
Parkrite's rates are a £100 clamping fine, £120 towing fee and £30 per day storage fee.
Mr Thornton said it was important to remember that the "vulnerable people" who featured heavily in Ms Winterton's speech to Parliament and could least afford to pay fines had still committed an offence in parking on private land without the permission of the landowner.
Wheatley-based Parkrite UK was condemned by the MP for Doncaster Central, Rosie Winterton. Ms Winterton said she had been carrying out a long campaign against rogue clampers and had received "endless complaints" about that company in particular.
The bosses of the company have hit back at her aspersions, however, highlighting that they are fully licensed by the Security Industry Authority, and that all their staff drive marked vehicles and wear uniforms.
Company spokesman, Jamie Thornton, said the company had never been prosecuted for anything and had, in fact, worked with the police on an investigation of vehicle thefts. Despite not being a member of the British Parking Association, he added that they still made sure they kept in line with the Association's standards.
"Our signs are not concealed and each site has multiple signs," he said.
"With regard to 'extortionate fees' the guideline for fees as published by BPA are £120 wheel clamp fine, £245 towing fee and £30 per day storage."
Parkrite's rates are a £100 clamping fine, £120 towing fee and £30 per day storage fee.
Mr Thornton said it was important to remember that the "vulnerable people" who featured heavily in Ms Winterton's speech to Parliament and could least afford to pay fines had still committed an offence in parking on private land without the permission of the landowner.
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