Clamping
Clamping involves immobilising vehicles by securing a device to their wheels, a method traditionally used to prevent unauthorised parking. However, car clamping on private land is illegal in the UK unless performed by authorised bodies such as the DVLA, local councils, or police. These organisations can instruct private contractors to carry out clamping in cases involving unpaid taxes, safety hazards, or abandoned vehicles.
For private property owners, clamping for nuisance parking isn’t an option, but modern, compliant alternatives are available. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) offers an efficient, lawful solution for managing unauthorised parking.
Clamping on private land: is it legal?
Clamping on private land by private landowners or companies is strictly prohibited in the UK. Only official bodies – such as the DVLA, police, or local councils – can authorise clamping under specific conditions to maintain public safety or address legal violations on public land.
For private landowners, enforcement tools like ANPR and Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) provide effective control over parking without the legal risks associated with clamping vehicles.
Clamping versus ANPR
When comparing clamping with ANPR for managing unauthorised parking, ANPR proves to be the more effective, lawful, and user-friendly option:
- Efficiency: ANPR automates the process of identifying and enforcing parking violations, eliminating the need for physical intervention.
- Versatility: ANPR systems can be applied to various applications beyond parking enforcement, including toll collection and law enforcement.
- Real-time monitoring: ANPR provides real-time data and analytics, offering valuable insights for enhancing security.
- Cost-effectiveness: While clamping involves costly manual interventions and potential fines, ANPR streamlines operations and reduces overheads in the long run.
- Improved user experience: ANPR offers a seamless and hassle-free experience for both vehicle owners and enforcement authorities, minimising disruptions and maximising compliance.
If you are interested in ANPR parking management on your property, book a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your options with one of our team.
How we can help you move beyond clamping
If you’re looking for a viable alternative to clamping of cars on your property, ANPR provides a reliable, compliant way to keep control. Our ANPR solutions are tailored to support private landowners with automated monitoring, issuance of PCNs for unauthorised vehicles, and full compliance with UK laws.
With our support, you can streamline parking management and maintain your property’s accessibility without the complications associated with clamping. To learn more about how ANPR can work for you, book a consultation with our team today.
We work with business of all shapes and sizes across the UK including:
