Wheel clamping on private land abolition – 1 October 2012

Wheel clamping on private land is outlawed from 1 October 2012 under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Once the ban comes into force, it will be illegal to clamp, tow away or immobilise a vehicle without lawful authority to do so. Anyone who breaks the law will face criminal charges and a fine if convicted.

The only bodies with lawful authority to clamp and tow vehicles will be the police, local authorities, government agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) – plus other bodies acting in accordance with statutory or other powers, such as railway stations and airports. Those bodies with lawful authority may continue to contract out clamping and towing to private companies.