Insane Clamping Charges

ash_h

I parked in Southhall High street McDonald's car park today. I got clamped and they charged me £345 + VAT which accounted upto £405.

The reciept says REMOVAL + CLAMP FEE.

By removal fee, I think it means to remove the car from the premises. But when I got to the car, there was no truck or anything just that the car was clamped. It WAS NOT towed.

They say they are charging this much because the car was there for 4 hours. I understand that it was a mistake on my part but £405 is insane especially since the car was never towed from there, so Why should I pay the removal fee. Anyways, I paid the amount because I had no other option then but now I want to Appeal to the company. It was Parking Control Management Ltd.

Has anyone ever paid such an insane amount? or I got ripped off? Is there an hourly clamping charge or just one off charge? How should I go about this issue?

Any input would be much appreciated.

anewman

Would have been cheaper to get one of these....



Although apparently that can lead to criminal charges for damage to their property.

Think the only thing you can do is take the charge on the head and be more careful where you park in future. Do check https://www.pepipoo.com forums though as this is their forte.

ash_h

Yeah I could have used one of these....but the guy who clamped the car was parked behind our car ...so there wasnt much I could do...I tried to tell him to reduce the amount...but he said that wasn't possible....

anewman

They usually clear off to clamp other cars. You didn't hand over cash did you? - as that's likely to be a scam.

ash_h

http://www.pcm-uk.co.uk/

This is the company and the guy left his name and license no as well...so i dont think it was a scam...I paid through my card...

BYALPHAINDIA

Stay away from these guys, There bornIdiots.

There on their own planet.

Even the 'Feds' don't like them.

If you get stopped or confronted, Then tell them you are going to your Solicitor, And that they can expect a 22.00 pound letter in the post!!

Then they may back off.

Or go one step further, And tell them you are a Solicitor.

anewman

Here's some links...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/westmidlands/series11/week11_clamping.shtml
http://www.racfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=491&Itemid=35

I wonder if the RAC !!!!!! turpin highway robbery award is still going on?

BYALPHAINDIA

Yes in RIPON. lol Lol

ash_h

So, it seems some people have paid even more than I have .... Can I hope to get something back? or should I just forget about it?

BYALPHAINDIA

Learn from it, And move on there's nothing more you can do.

anewman

It would be dead funny if someone clamped my car and demanded £405. I'd take my tools around to take out as many of the bits worth keeping/selling on as possible and let them keep it as my car isn't worth that much. (I would of course try to avoid being clamped in the first place but are some cowboys out there who'll put signs up that weren't there before and clamp you etc).

Chances are they charge this amount because they know people will pay it, and they can get away with it. If they started asking £2000 I'm guessing more people would let them keep the cars.