Today the Citizen declares war on car clampers with the launch of a Clampdown on Clampers campaign.

For months the Citizen newsdesk has been swamped with complaints from victims of car clamping companies operating in the city, and in particular targeting shoppers in Bletchley.

Back in January we highlighted how car clamping firm Excel Security was preying on motorists at a private car park owned by Stephenson House in Bletchley.

MP Dr Phyllis Starkey was asked to investigate as 40 clamp victims came forward.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg as more and more complaints flooded in.

>> Complaints from drivers hit with £150 fees in, what many believe, is a cynical trap to get money from those who can least afford it.

>> Complaints from victims outraged at the sickening and predatory way clampers often conceal themselves before swooping on unsuspecting motorists.

>> Complaints from victims intimidated and upset at the way operators demand cash payment.

>> Complaints from victims forced into debt after having to pay hefty sums to get their car released.

>> Complaints from students and pensioners who have suffered ill health as a direct result of clamping, including one 77-year-old woman who called the Citizen in desperation after an appeal for a £150 clamping fee refund was turned down.

It's a disgrace but yet another area of our lives where the government has failed the citizens of Milton Keynes by not introducing legislation to control this rogue industry.

Drivers have long complained of excessive penalties for releasing vehicles, hidden or missing signs warning of clamping, unreasonable towing of cars, and no right of appeal for owners.

So the Citizen today is saying enough is enough and pledges to take on clampers and urge the government to get tough with rogue operators and drive them out of the city.

It is estimated the private clamping industry, comprising about 350 firms across the country, is worth about £240 million a year.

And while the practice is not illegal it is immoral and unfair.
There is currently no limit on how much they can charge, many arguing it's simply a licence to print money.

Motorists clamped for minor offences such as overstaying in a space for as little as five minutes can be charged anything up to £800 to have their vehicle released.

Currently wheel-clampers are required to register with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

But rogue clamping firms could soon find themselves subject to tough new regulations after the government's launch at the end of April of a consultation on how best to regulate the industry.

In the meantime the Citizen urges readers to back our fight to end clamping misery by visiting our website at www.miltonkeynes.co.uk to sign our online petition.

>> To see video reporter Natalee Hazelwood's short film about the clampers, click on the above link.

The female voice heard throughout is that of reporter Anna Sexton.

>> Our online petition is presently awaiting approval by Government but will be accessible soon.