General Chat

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Right this is a bit of a long story but I'd appreciate any opinions/advice: Yesterday when we returned to my flat someone clamped my friend's car. He'd been sat in the car, watched us park and go upstairs and then straightaway (I hadn't shut the front door!) put a clamp on. I went to stop him and he said it was too late and that I'd need to pay £80 to get it removed. Apparently I should have received a permit in the post (DEFINITELY didn't, don't own a car so never thought about it) which was to be displayed in any car parked in MY space (I have a space that is the same number as my flat). I spoke to my landlord who was great about it and tried everything he could do to sort it out. Apparently this clamping company have been hired by the Flat's management company. I was given a number to speak to them and noone answered. The 'clamper' claimed he'd spoken to her/him and that I had to pay the release fee... - The fee HAD to be paid in cash - When I asked where the office was located he refused to tell me - he also said there were CCTV cameras around the site, my landlord asked where they were and this man said 'I'm not at liberty to tell you that' (I AM BEING FILMED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY!) So it's been paid (my lovely landlord paid half) and I have a receipt. I have also now been given a permit. Not only am I annoyed about the money but this man made me feel really intimidated and scared (I'm a young woman living alone). Any advice?

go to your local citizens advice bureux Give them all the info and they will tell you where you stand. However if it is permit only it is up to you to arrange a permit before you park there. Even though its your space and you live there. Elaine x

*putting on serious head for a moment* Bec, did this clamper fellow have some kind of ID, you hear all sorts of stories about bogus clampers. Also surely you've had visitors in the past that have used your space, why clamp now?? Teri

Am going to go to the CAB, thanks Elaine The guy kept lying as well which annoys me. I also know for a fact that there is someone who lives in the flats and spies on the carpark for him!

Teri - No ID, he just looked like your typical bouncer! Having done some research: - there is NO office - He's actually towed cars and put them in a compound (3 other tenants here are REFUSING to pay to have their clamps removed, one of them is a brand new VW beetle!) becx

I would also say Bec that if you feel the clamper harrassed you because you are young anda female then you should ask for police advice. They are concerned about these clampers. if you can get his head office address (Isn't the address on the receipt?), you should write to them and complain about his attitude. Not to get your money back, you probably wont, but to sort him out for the way he behaved. Ann Glos

Ann - he didn't directly harrass me as such but there was something about him that has genuinely scared me. He claimed he sometimes has some of his 'boys' sat in the carpark all night which makes me feel very uncomfortable and I'm not happy about the CCTV cameras that we're not about to know about. My landlord OWNS the flat, surely he should have the right to know where these cameras are? There is an address on the receipt BUT the receipt has the Management company's letterhead (a very poor, cheap made at home job!) on it, he's then handwritten the name of the clamping company.

Hi Bec, This doesn't sound right to me, I think you should speak to the police, as well as the CAB. Vivienne

Hello Vivienne I rang Essex Police and they were about as much use as a poke in the eye! becx

Bec I remember hearing something about this on the news recently..... due to the amount of Bogus clampers around these days the clamping companies have to apply for a licence to clamp cars legally and should also carry ID with them. I'm also pretty sure that the clamping company also have to display signs around the clamping area so that people know what may be about to happen to them (Please tell me if i'm wrong on that one someone) I'd certainly go to the CAB and get some advice c x

That's a bit disconcerting Bec, have you or your landlord tried speaking to the management company? Vivienne

Thanks Little Ray He claimed to have the licence required (I've checked online so I know what he's supposed to have). I've looked for his clamping company and it's not registered on Companies House so I reckon he's probably not paying VAT or NI. He wouldn't give me the office address and there is no VAT number or registered business number on his receipt (do you have to have these on stationary?) becx

Try contacting watchdog ! see what they have to say on the matter E x

Vivienne - Neither I nor my landlord have been able to contact the management company on either of the numbers we have and yet 'Mr Clamper' claimed that they answered straightaway when he rang... Elaine - someone else suggested that! Will try Trading Standards too, The main problem is that I am genuinely scared now (anyone who knows me knows that I do not scare easily!). Had to be walked home to my door last night but I'm independent and need to be able to walk home at night alone without worrying about him and his 'boys'.

I would report it to the police, with your landlord accompanying you. There have been problems in the area where I work, and the police have records of bogus clampers. Take care, Bec. (Aunty) Joy

Thanks Joy It's probably not illegal but I'm not happy with CCTV cameras hidden around the site. becx

Bec Have a look on the walls in the carpark/round the flats for a sign the states 'NO PARKING' or the car could be clamped. If there isn't a sign you need to contact Trading Standards/Watchdog as he is more than likely a COWBOY. On all paper work ie receipts/letters they are supposed to have a VAT number. If you are frightened about walking homeon your own carry a Normal comb in your pocket. Take care Bec. Sue

Bec, the management company are employed by your landlord, he must be able to contact them surely. What do your neighbours make of this? Vivienne

Vivienne - He's tried but I reckon the Management company have caller ID and only answer whoever they want to! Sue - There is a plastic laminated sign (A4) inside that says you must have your permit in your car or you have to pay £80, no contact number etc. Have never paid attention to it as I do not own a car! xxx