Council may take second look at clamping policy

CLAMP-HAPPY council bosses will look again at its policy of using private firms to target rogue parking.

Motorists across the county have been incensed to find their cars clamped and a £90 release fee demanded.

The attitude of the clampers has also been criticised, and their actions said to be putting people off visiting the area, with car parks along Llanelli's Millennium Coastal Park hit hard.

The council's regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee has called for a review.

The committee reported: "It was unanimously resolved to recommend to the executive board that it considers re-looking at the use of clamping at the authority's car parks particularly in view of the number of complaints being received, often relating to the uncompromising attitude of some of the clamping operatives and the impression it leaves in the minds of visitors to the area.

"Concern was expressed over the attitude of some of the staff working for the car clamping company engaged by the authority, particular reference was made to an incident involving pensioners at Burry Port Harbour who had forgotten their disabled badge, and the impression it gave to people visiting the county."

The company had been reminded, it said, that motorists were now allowed 15 minutes grace upon arrival to find change for ticket machines. If no machines were working, the company was not permitted to clamp.

Council spokesman Ron Cant defended the clamping firm.

He said: "The firm currently engaged within the park to enforce illegal parking have ensured that the park's sole income has been sustained.

"It has more than doubled since before they were engaged, suggesting more than half the people using the car parks before this time cheated by deliberately dodging the parking fees.

"The firm continues to maintain order where previously chaos has prevailed, with the majority of drivers refusing to pay the 30p parking fees.

"The firm enforcing parking works under strict guidelines and is often unfairly criticised by drivers who will exaggerate, lie or tell tall tales to get out of paying for offences they commit.

"The evidence of the offences committed are backed up with photographs, a time log and record of what is said."

Llanelli MP Nia Griffith said: "We are working towards getting these companies to be registered, but it would appear Parc Rite was not among those following best practice.

"Certainly, a number of my constituents made very valid points to the council about the lack of proper signage, the aggressive nature of the clamping."