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Citizen declares 'war' on rogue clampers

The Milton Keynes Citizen has declared war on local clampers as it launches a new campaign.

The Johnston Press weekly is hoping to force the government to get tough on rogue operators in what has become a hot topic among MPs and the media in recent months, with the subject featuring regularly on BBC’s Watchdog programme.

The Citizen estimates that the private clamping industry is worth about £240m per year across the UK with some motorists paying up to £800 in fines and release fees for overstaying by as little as five minutes.

One desperate 77-year-old woman contacted the paper after an appeal to refund her £150 clamping fee was rejected.

A campaign launch message said: “For months the Citizen newsdesk has been swamped with complaints from victims of car clamping companies operating in the city, and in particular targeting shoppers in Bletchley.

“MP Dr Phyllis Starkey was asked to investigate as 40 clamp victims came forward. But that was just the tip of the iceberg as more and more complaints flooded in.

“It’s a disgrace but yet another area of our lives where the government has failed the citizens of Milton Keynes by not introducing legislation to control this rogue industry.

“Drivers have long complained of excessive penalties for releasing vehicles, hidden or missing signs warning of clamping, unreasonable towing of cars, and no right of appeal for owners.

“So the Citizen is saying enough is enough and pledges to take on clampers and urge the government to get tough with rogue operators and drive them out of the city.”