Dawlish Discussion

The specific breaches on the actual sign are:-

1) Illegal threats to clamp and tow Blue Badge Holders

2) Illegal use of the phrase 'Parking Offence'

3) Illegal use of the word 'Fine'

If you see any of these signs please post the location and I will visit and photograph them, I have found some here in Dawlish and also two locations in Paignton

DVLA (quote)

"I understand that your notes have raised more general points about the company’s operations, in particular the signage employed at a private parking area in Tiverton, and the wording on tickets issued suggesting that the keeper has a legal responsibility to identify the driver at the time of the incident. We have asked the BPA to investigate the issues raised. The Agency has informed Premier Parking Services, which requests data via the paper channel, that we will not process further requests until those investigations are complete and we have considered the matter further".

There are some quite strongley worded parking signs attached to lamp posts around the industrial estate. The easiest to read is on Crockers wall. These where placed by a private parking company CPM (SW) in Torquay on the instructions of Teignbridge Council.

MugOnHead,

Thanks I will check it out.

Whilst taking fotos in Paignton yesterday a Police Offficer and CPSO officer asked me what I was doing, I explained and all he would say was it was a civil matter, I tried to explain that only the Police and courts can fine you, and word Offence cannot be used as you have not comitted an offence, also tried to expaln that they cannot clamp and tow away blue badge holders, he still insisted it was a civil offence, he is totally wrong but I had to give up as I was getting nowhere

MugOnHead, Much as I hate to say it but the signs in shutteron are legal. I ran the fotos by a road traffic expert

Only one answer to it then which is my solution. Decent pair of bolt cutters in the boot to deal with the clamp.

Dont know why we pay road tax.

Or how one day the road into the estate is unadopted and the resposibility of the freeholders, and the next TDC have responsibility and can therefore make the rules.

Seems a bit like the lawn in Town which legally I understand belongs to the people of Dawlish, but nobody can do anything on there without paying TDC.

CPM(SW) Do not clamp, I believe for that reason they are not members of the BPA (British Parking Assc), if they are it is not shown on their web site.

This I find a little strange.

""Charges
The offending vehicle has 14 days to pay the Parking Charge Notice of £100.00, which is reduced to £50.00 if payment is made within 7 days of issue.

In the event that a vehicle does not make payment within 14 days the charge will be passed to our Debt Recovery Agent. They will obtain registered keeper's details from the DVLA and commence further action.

I don't know if it the same company but I took Premier Parking Solutions to court for clamping my car through small claims online. They tried a counterclaim for court costs before it even went to court, which shows they know nothing about the legal system. They ended up refunding me and paying the £25 small claims fee.

If you get a ticket from one of these companies then rip it up. If you get clamped and don't have bolt cutters as MOH says and have had to pay the fine, take them to court. Clamping on private land will be illegal soon. There is no way they will want to go to court, afterall nobody likes these scum, even Judges.

Paul, You are quite right to say rip it up as they have no legal standing, the important thing is NOT to enter into a letter writing exercise with them, just ignore all the threatening letters and they will go away, they rely on the fear factor which makes people pay.

I was told today by a det/sergeant fraud squad that clamping on private land stops in October.

this article is interesting especially for the land owner:

http://www.narrowboatworld.com/index.php/news-flash/2995-british-waterw-canot-clamp-mororists

Premier Parking are everywhere in Exeter. British Rail used to use them, also Somerfields, Wonford Sports Centre and the Pinhoe Chinese restaurant from memory. Also, there are signs as you walk along the canal. It is a very lucrative business for these low-lifes as most people just pay up.

Basically, you should boycott companies that use them.

For those of you who are interested BBC Spotlight have picked the story

Clamping on private land officialy stops October 2012

Will private landowners be able to tow away and impound vehicles found parked on their private property?

I cannot answer that question at the moment, when I find the answer I will post it. But as you have used Google to find certain persons and answers, check it yourself or ask a solicitor

Good idea. I have, and it seems that the landowners will legally be entitled to tow away and impound vehicles that are parked on their property. Some people are questioning which is worse, clamping or impounding.

Before you try towing away a persons vehicle parked on your property check that you are insured to do so. My solicitor recommends blocking the offending vehicle in without actually touching it and requesting a reasonable parking fee. If you do attempt to remove you could find yourself on criminal damage charges

MugOnHead I have checked (private parking company CPM (SW) as this company is not a member of the BPA (british parking association) they cannot get your details from the DVLA, consequently they dont know who you are or where you are.

BPA is unregulated and most of the committee members own private enforcement companies. What a joke.

I should have mentioned that the BPA have expelled Premier Parking Services and the DVLA have confirmed they will ignore any request for driver details from this company.

Their web page has also been closed down, it now states new web page coming soon, that should be interesting.