Thread: Clamped? Claim it back!

Happy ending to an unfair clamping affair

I would like to share with you a *real* success story of claiming back clamping fees paid to B&Q.

A friend of mine parked his car in B&Q and went shopping in B&Q. When returned he left the car in the parking lot for two more hours and has gone visiting his friend. The "Clamping" warning signs were not visible in the dark and he saw no reason to move his car. When he returned he found his car was clamped.

De-clamping fee was £155.

He's written twice to B&Q but they have not even bothered to acknowledge his letters.

He was reluctant to claim his money back in court. But the exorbitant fee, the sheer greed on the side of B&Q, and their disregard to a loyal client have convinced him to give this a try.

He lodged a claim using Money Claim Online (https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp). Surprise surprise, B&Q have finally decided to acknowledge his claim. B&Q first pretended to go ahead and agreed to meet in court. But before the matter has even reached the court, B&Q sent him an offer to pay it back all back, including the cost of the claim (£25).

My advice is: if you have been clamped unfairly, do not hesitate to challenge it in court. It costs your clamper more money to pay their legal team to get to court than pay you back. It pays to insist on being treated fairly.

Good luck everyone!