National clampdown on clampers to follow Cork move

A NATIONAL clampdown on car-clampers is on the cards after Cork city led the backlash against contractors that infuriate motorists.

The Dáil’s influential environmental and transport committee is to launch a wide-ranging investigation into how to tighten the law regarding clamping.

The probe will look at bringing in a new code of conduct for clampers following public anger at the way many operate.

A new licensing system for clamping companies and an appeals process are also on the agenda, and much stricter regulation of the industry is expected, with special attention paid to when towing is appropriate.

Cork city council bowed to pressure from business leaders and road-users and ended its contract with a clamping operator earlier this month. It is the first time a committee has been given a lead role in drawing up the heads of a bill, and chairman Ciarán Lynch said: “The committee will examine relevant legislation in other comparable jurisdictions.

“Among the other issues we will look at are: concerns with existing legislation, or the lack of it, in regard to parking on both private and public property; what should be regulated and who should regulate; the cost implications of regulation; concerns raised by car owners, as well as concerns raised by private and commercial property owners.

“The Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has asked the committee to take a role in the pre-heads of bill stage and contribute to the initial drafting of the legislation. To assist the committee, the minister has forwarded us an options paper prepared by the department, along with an outline of his views on the subject.

“The committee will hold a series of meetings with a number of representative stakeholder groups, such as the City and County Managers’ Association, the Irish Parking Association, AA Ireland and the Consumer Association of Ireland, to consider and discuss their views on what the proposed legislation needs to address.

“Written submissions will also be accepted from other groups, where appropriate, to form part of a report which the committee will prepare on the issue. That report will contain a series of recommendations which will inform the drafting of legislation to regulate the industry,” Mr Lynch said.

Consultations will happen in January and February and the committee will report to the minister by April 1, 2012.