An MP has condemned “unscrupulous and unspeakable” car clamping and towing companies after a woman was left stranded in Birmingham after an Oasis concert.
Labour’s David Taylor (Leicestershire NW) called for better regulation of the industry and highlighted the case of a woman who had been left “isolated and vulnerable”.
Mr Taylor said that returning from an Oasis concert at the National Indoor Arena, she found her car had been towed away and she faced a bill of £300, leaving her stranded in the city.
During exchanges on coming parliamentary business, he told MPs: “When they returned to where they had left their car, they found it had been towed away with a bill of £300. There were no signs indicating any particular problems and they were therefore isolated and vulnerable and stranded in that city.
“Can’t we have a debate on how to better regulate these unscrupulous and unspeakable clampers and towers that wreak such havoc on decent people?
“We really can’t have the angst and inconvenience that my constituents experienced replicated time and time again in cities all over the country.”
Commons Leader Harriet Harman said the problems were caused by “cowboys taking liberties” and said there was a need for “clear and fair rules”.
She told Mr Taylor: “I think you raise a very important point.
“Whether it is the question of people towing away cars or clamping them, what we need to make sure is there are clear and fair rules and there are reputable operators. Real problems can be caused by cowboys taking liberties in this respect.”
She said the issue crossed departments, adding: “I will address some thought to the points you made and see how we can take it forward.”
