PLEASE RELEASE ME
What happens if my car gets clamped and how long before it gets towed?
Plus who to contact if your car gets towed
CLAMPING cars is on the rise with the DVLA targeting vehicles that fail to have road tax.
This zero-tolerance strategy spares no vehicle, including ambulances and police cars; all are subject to the same rules.
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What happens if my car is clamped?
Cars are clamped usually because they are parked improperly on public parking land or they are untaxed and on a public road.
But if you have been clamped in a privately owned car park, you have been illegally targeted.
Clamping on private land was outlawed in 2012, although residents may alert you to the error of your ways.
In this situation, demand the clamp is removed — even if you have parked improperly, but you may still have to pay a penalty.
However, if you have made an error with your car parked in an area governed by a local council, it can legally clamp the car.
The DVLA uses automatic number plate readers to recognise untaxed cars on our streets.
If you have been clamped legally, follow the instructions attached to the vehicle.
You may be asked to pay on the spot or instead within a short time-frame of around 14 days.
It's advisable not to attempt to forcibly remove the clamp yourself as this can amount to criminal damage, for which you may be prosecuted.
Driving in this country is a costly hobby within itself, without adding more expense.
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How do I get it released?
In most cases, you should just follow the instructions left on a note on your car.
You will need the reference number to quote, and there is usually a telephone number to call.
The authority will declare the fee you must pay to get the clamp released.
If your car isn't taxed, the DVLA may decide to take it to a pound.
If your car has been removed, contact the local police force on 101 or at the nearest station.
How long before it gets towed?
If the vehicle is currently clamped, it can be impounded to a vehicle pound any time after 24 hours.
If your vehicle’s been removed, check on TRACE to find out where the vehicle’s been taken.
The release fee and PCN must be paid before they can release the vehicle.
You can also call TRACE on 0300 077 0100.
There could also be additional storage charges depending on how long the vehicle has been at the pound.
You can appeal against the PCN and the removal of the vehicle straight after paying the PCN and release fee.
Who can legally clamp or tow away my car?
Your car can be legally towed or clamped by:
- police
- local councils
- DVLA
- DVSA
- bailiffs or fines enforcement officers, if the owner has debts to the local council or unpaid penalty charge notices (PCNs)
How much does it cost to get a clamp removed?
You'll have to pay a large fee to get the device removed.
It becomes more expensive if you haven't paid your road tax.
In which case, the fee may be as hefty as £200.
Fees can start from around £50 for more minor issues.
If you don't pay up you could see your car sold or scrapped as soon as two months after your tax is due.
Over 98 per cent of people pay their car tax on time but there has been a small increase in people running the risk of being clamped.
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