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Immobilisation of Vehicles: Scotland

Volume 489: debated on Tuesday 17 March 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make an assessment of the efficacy of the prohibition of wheel clamping on private land in Scotland to assist in formulating her policy for England. (261886)

[holding answer 9 March 2009]: Wheel-clamping was not prohibited in Scotland as a result of a Government decision. The position in Scotland was determined by case law which determined that wheel-clamping on private land amounted to theft and the demand of a release fee amounted to extortion under Scottish Law.

Ministers have recently received a feasibility study undertaken by the SIA on the various options for the regulation of vehicle immobilisation companies who work on private land in England and Wales. We will take into account the evidence contained in this feasibility study as the policy on the compulsory licensing of companies in England and Wales is developed.