When considering the charges levied for vehicle clamping services on local authority owned land, including the highways for which they are responsible, local authorities are directed by Circular 1/95 (Guidance on Decriminalised Parking Enforcement Outside London) to set charges according to the cost of providing the service. Local authorities are obliged to keep a record of the charges levied for clamping and removal services, and to avoid setting charge levels that will result in a surplus income being generated.
With regard to the clamping of vehicles on privately owned land, the Private Security Industry Act 2001 provides for the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to licence individuals who carry out licensable vehicle immobilising activities as defined by the Act and to ensure that they comply with the licensing requirements. It does not provide for the regulation of fees or other commercial matters. We have discussed this matter with the Home Office and I understand that there are no plans to regulate this area further.