Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has congratulated the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD on the introduction of the Vehicle Clamping Bill 2014.
“In essence, this Bill will provide certainty and consistency to motorists in dealing with the industry and will eradicate so called cowboy clampers.
“This Bill aims to regulate clamping on public and private property for the first time. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is being given the function of regulating clamping activities including the setting of maximum clamp release and relocation charges. The NTA will also ensure that appropriate signage is provided in areas where clamping is in operation and will establish appeals and complaints procedures. The Authority may also establish a code of practice for standards and provide guidance to clamping operators.
“I welcome this important piece of legislation that will deal with an issue which has long been an irritant to motorists. Most appreciate that clamping can be necessary, but the variety and inconsistency of release charges applied in privately owned car parks is causing serious annoyance and is not acceptable.
“There is currently no regulation of clamping activities on private land and I am pleased we are implementing our Programme for Government commitment to deal with this issue, if a little later than some would have liked.
“The Government is providing clarity on this situation, protecting the rights of citizens and property owners, while increasing the transparency of clamping operations.”