Wheel-clamping ban - what do you think?

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone published a column in the Ham and High last week explaining her government's decision to bring in legislation against wheel clamping this November.

"As soon as I became a Home Office minister with wheel clamping as part

of my portfolio," writes Lynne, "I was deluged by letters from other MPs (representing

their constituents) asking when we would do something about rogue

clampers."

Critics of wheel-clamping have pointed out that the clamped vehicle remains in an obstructive position on the road, defeating the purpose of traffic regulations, and have warned about "rogue clampers" collecting £1bn a year in revenue through fair means or foul.

The current proposal is to ban clamping and towing altogether on private land, as has been the case in Scotland since 1992, and instead to use ticketing as a deterrent.

When reading Lynne's column, I couldn't help but wonder if her take on the situation wasn't informed by some previous bad experiences with Haringey parking enforcement. Lynne and the people in this story aren't the only ones to suffer from misleading and misapplied parking regulations in Haringey - I had a saga of my own two years ago, and friends have faced similar problems when parking in the borough.

Have you faced problems with rogue clampers and unscrupulous wardens? Let us know below, and if you have feedback for Lynne on her clamping proposals, write to her at the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.