Thread: Help with reclaiming clamping/tow away charges

Hi

A few weeks ago I parked in a privately owned car park near some shops. As my baby fell asleep in the pram I walked back home and left my car in the car park. My partner and daughter went back to collect the car whilst I stayed at home with my baby. My partner rung me to say he couldn't find the car - I told him exactly where it was - I was very panicky about it all. He couldn't find it so we concluded it had been stolen. I suffer with asthma and panic attacks and started to have a panic attack. My partner managed to calm me down and told me to ring the police and report it stolen which I did. He came back with my daughter and went off in his car looking for it. I don't know why but I rung the pub which is near to the car park and asked if they knew if there was any CCTV in the car park. I explained that my car had been stolen - after a discussion the girl advised me it had probably been towed away as you can only park for 2 hours. I wasn't aware of this and don't recall being more than 2 hours. We went back and noticed the signs around the car park - quite a few I have to say - but obviously we just didn't notice tem before. I rung the mobile no on the sign and discovered it had been clamped and towed away which would cost me £275.00. I had to pay it to get my car back. Just wondered if there is any way I could appeal. I have managed to track down the land owner of the car park (it is a free car park) and am thinking of writing to him. The clamping people gave me a receipt which says Parking Control Ltd with an address in Manchester. Can thy get away with this? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Did you pay by cash or credit card? If you used a card your first route should be to dispute the charge as being paid under duress. This isn't always successful, but if it is, it's by farthe easiest route to take.

Next, post a pic up here (after covering all your personal details) so that the receipt can be checked that it includes all the legally required info. e.g. it must be signed by a SIA registered clamper, including his reg number, you should have been given details on how to appeal, etc etc.

Write to the clamper demanding a refund as no contract was entered in to. When it is refused (which it will be) send them AND THE LANDOWNER a lba giving them 7 days to refund the money or you will lodge a claim in the small claims court. It will be far easier getting the money off the landowner than the clamper coz those companies seem to collect CCJs like members on CAG collect unpaid PPC invoices