Having your car clamped is a fear incurred by even the most discerning of road users in the UK, and it makes the worry considerably worse with the current boon of cowboy clampers that are plaguing our streets.

The way they operate is to clamp your car, and then ask you for up to £300 for the release. They say they do not accept credit cards, due to possible ‘fraud', and refuse to take the clamp from your car unless you pay the cash then and there. A friend fell prey to this scam in a hospital car park; after finishing a 12 hour shift late at night, she returned to the car park, which was completely snowed in when she had arrived. She had lined her car up with the next, and gone off to work. When she arrived back, the snow had melted, showing she was parked over one of the lines separating the spaces. She had to stump up the £300 cash as she felt vulnerable and it was late. The clampers turned up in a Jaguar X-type to remove the clamps, which rang suspicion bells. This scam is clearly paying dividends to them, and there isn't a lot the police can do, as most of the general public believe these guys are acting legally.The reason she paid for this service, is that she was worried if the clamps werent removed, that she would have to claim on her Car Insurance.

• The code of practice relating to clamping says:
  • Maximum standard charge: £75 (maximum charge if unpaid £150). Parking company's name, address and phone number must be displayed in car park and on ticket.
  • Unfortunately, if your car is parked on private property, clampers can still charge you whatever they like to remove the clamp. If you believe you have been overcharged, you have to make claim in a civil court as breaking this part of the code of practice is not a criminal offence. Obviously, if the clampers are not legitimate and working for a real company, then you'll have no one to take a claim out against!

• Parking rules must be clearly displayed

• • The phone number must connect with a person, not an automated payments system.
  • Staff to wear uniform and carry ID. They must not escort drivers to cash machines.
  • TOP TIP: All clampers must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Any unlicensed clamper is committing a criminal offence and the police would arrest any such individual.

The best thing to do in this situation, is call the police. People who have been victims of this have found that, upon calling the police, the clampers back off, and unclamp the car.

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