Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Tuesday, 31 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 April 2009. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immobilisation of Vehicles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her proposals for the future of the wheel-clamping industry will include changes to (a) the regulation of wheel clamping companies, (b) the maximum level of charges that clamping companies can impose on private land and (c) the minimum standards for signage on private land; and when she plans to publish her proposals.

Answer: We will launch a formal consultation in late April considering how best to regulate the wheel-clamping industry. The Government's preferred option would be to introduce compulsory licensing for all wheel-clamping companies, to ensure they uphold standards of conduct, which will be enforced if they are not met.The details of the scheme will be decided after the public consultation, but are likely to include maximum penalties that can be charged and standards on signage, including size and visibility.

Secondary information