A ban that came into force in Ireland means it'll be illegal to clamp, tow away or immobilise a vehicle on private land without lawful authority. Granted this is only in the UK at the moment but at least it's a step in the right direction.
There is a small loophole in that "bodies acting in accordance with statutory or other powers" working for the likes of railway stations or airports can still clamp your car, but the blanket powers that generated stories about clamped hearses, police vehicles, AA vans and cars with the engine still running have been removed.
Owners of private land will still be able to issue penalties and now have the powers to install ticket machines to raise revenue.
But in a second victory for the driver, we can now challenge penalties at an independent appeal service.
This has been set up to mirror the appeal service already available if you think your on-street penalty was issued unfairly and it's legally binding if it finds in your favour. The only drawback is that it only applies to penalties issued by parking contractors on the British Parking Association's approved operator list.
