Wheel Clamp Campaign Launched (from Bucks Free Press)

Wheel Clamp Campaign Launched (from Bucks Free Press): "Wheel clamp campaign launched

A CLAMPING victim from High Wycombe has this week launched a campaign and is calling on other motorists in High Wycombe to report their horror stories.

Mark Ballard, 36, a building firm company director, was clamped and charged �250 for stopping in a High Wycombe alleyway to look for a lost pencil earlier this year.

Now he wants to hear about other cases where people feel they have been treated unfairly with a view to contacting the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which can remove clamping licenses.
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From May 3 last year, it became illegal to work as a vehicle clamper without a licence from the SIA.

Mr Ballard said: 'I am sure there are many other victims who have been prey to them. I would like to hear from people with a similar experience to me.'
“I am sure there are many other victims who have been prey to them.
Mark Ballard, wheel clamp victim

Mr Ballard was clamped on January 3 after stopping his 4x4 in an alleyway by Priory Road to look for an electronic pencil used to operate his mobile phone, which he had dropped earlier that day.

As he searched a Star Controlled Parking tow truck arrived and drove towards his car, which still had the engine running.

Mr Ballard said: 'I had only been there for a few seconds when I saw the truck.

'I said something along the lines of sorry mate, got in my car and started to do a three point turn to drive out.

'But the truck kept on coming towards me and blocked me in.'

The firm told Mr Ballard he was parked illegally and lifted his car onto the truck.

Mr Ballard said he was told it would cost him �250 on the spot, or they would take his car away.

Star Controlled Parking, which has since left the area, said in a letter to Mr Ballard at the time: 'The signs clearly state permit holders only. We do not target people and we do not ask people to park illegally.'

The firm refused to make any further comment and asked the Free Press to put any questions in writing."