Implications for removing wheel clamp?

ashy90 · Unread post by **ashy90** » 28 Oct 2010, 13:15

I havnt been clamped, I just came across something on the internet about wheel clamping, which has got me thinking, as it seams a bit of a grey area, is it legal or illegal to remove a wheel clamp? Im guessing it depends how it is done, and cutting it off/damaging it could get you in trouble? But is there a way in which you can remove one legally/not get in the s**t. Ive heard about getting done for criminal damage, but also heard storys about people cutting them off, and it being illegal for clampers to actually clamp a car due to certain rights etc. etc. just interested in the matter, I got clamped unfairly lastyear in my own work place by some bastard clampers that had come out of prison.

Unread post by **DHallworth** » 28 Oct 2010, 14:08

There are certain implications when it comes to removing a clamp.

If you mark or damage the clamp you can be done for criminal damage. I know someone though who popped the wishbone off the car, slid the chains off it, and handed them back the clamp and drove off.

They couldn't touch him for it as it was his car he was dismantling. They even phoned the police but the police told them the same thing.

David.

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 28 Oct 2010, 14:26

Years ago (and its probably changed now)

You could remove it (if you could) without any damage to it , this is important, you must not dismantle or damage the clamp.

Eearly clamps where you could deflate the tyre etc and then you had to hand it in at a police station as 'lost property'

Although I guess its been all changed now, and the newer clamps you cannot do this to, at least as far as I am aware.

Trainman · Unread post by **Trainman** » 28 Oct 2010, 17:33

The way to avoid one is drop the suspension so they can't fit it in the first place

KP · Unread post by KP » 28 Oct 2010, 18:37

Oh don't forget about putting the odd bit of dog poo on the wheels as well just never wash the tyres themselves

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 28 Oct 2010, 18:48

I believe fully flat hydropnematic suspension is your best defence as there's
no space in the gap beneath the sill or bumper at either end for the jaws of
the better single arm clamps to sit although the three legged arms jobbies
will fit in.

I hope these single arm one's are stubborn and stay attached to the wheel
as I've just gone and splashed out a wedge on one for my newly purchased
car transporter trailer!! Hours of Googling show up differing designs have
significant weaknesses but in the end, none will stand up to an Oxy kit but
will act at best as a PITA delay tactic. I've just received it today but haven't
got up close with it to determine the ultimate robustness of my new purchase.

Andrew

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 28 Oct 2010, 19:13

andmcit wrote: I hope these single arm one's are stubborn and stay attached to the wheel
as I've just gone and splashed out a wedge on one for my newly purchased
car transporter trailer!! Hours of Googling show up differing designs have
significant weaknesses but in the end, none will stand up to an Oxy kit but
will act at best as a PITA delay tactic. I've just received it today but haven't
got up close with it to determine the ultimate robustness of my new purchase.

Andrew

I think you are OK with that, ultimately (its the same in a way as a mechanical lock or otherwise) , if anyone really really wants whatever is protected, they will take it. All you are aiming for is to make it too much trouble for them, so they will move on.

That's my way of looking at it anyway really.

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 28 Oct 2010, 20:58

ashy90 wrote:I havnt been clamped, I just came across something on the internet about wheel clamping, which has got me thinking, as it seams a bit of a grey area, is it legal or illegal to remove a wheel clamp? Im guessing it depends how it is done, and cutting it off/damaging it could get you in trouble? But is there a way in which you can remove one legally/not get in the (-expletive removed-). Ive heard about getting done for criminal damage, but also heard storys about people cutting them off, and it being illegal for clampers to actually clamp a car due to certain rights etc. etc. just interested in the matter, I got clamped unfairly lastyear in my own work place by some bastard clampers that had come out of prison.

It's perfectly legal to remove a wheel clamp from your vehicle if you can do so without damaging it.

There are a very specific and stringent set of rules to which a wheel clamper must adhere (to the letter) otherwise the wheel-clamping is "tortious interference with goods" and thus illegal. This is where there is a gray area because if it wasn't legal for somebody to clamp you, is it then illegal for you to remedy the situation and in doing so damaging the wheel-clamp?

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 28 Oct 2010, 22:05

You can give a call to "Angle Grinder Man"

Alternate Identity: Unknown
Milieu: London
Special Ability: Auto Liberation
Nemesis: Wheel Clamps
Gadget: The Angle Grinder (duh)
Signal him: 07984-121043 (disconnected)

French Car Forum

Implications for removing wheel clamp?

Implications for removing wheel clamp?

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