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Clampers driven out
A CLAMPING firm in Sheffield which demanded a £185 release fee has been dumped after just four days following pressure from The Star.
Bosses at Hillsborough Shopping Centre dropped ParkingUK after the firm, which raked in 2,220 in just two-and-a-half days, sparked a storm of protest.
Shoppers were reduced to tears after returning a few minutes late to be told they must stump up in cash the vast sum - a record for South Yorkshire.
The Star investigated after being inundated with calls from irate victims from the moment the clampers took control on Monday morning.
The firm also demands a staggering 285 for a tow truck if the release fee is not paid within an hour. And they charge a storage fee of 65-a-day, leaving motorists who can't pay immediately facing a bill of more than 500. The Stockport-based firm even invites drivers to appeal - at a cost of 35.
Vickie Canetti, aged 38, of Halifax Road, Wadsley Bridge, arrived 15 minutes late, with her daughters aged four and 14.
She said: "It's extortionate, 185 for 15 minutes? It's legalised mugging. The clamper wouldn't take a cheque and we had to go to a cash machine. It was really traumatic for the children and me, it's not as if I was trying to avoid paying to park." Joanne Scott, 41, of Stannington, was seven minutes late.
She said: "How can they justify that amount? I won't be going there again."
Lynn Wentworth, was with her daughter Adele, and her baby Daisy, when they arrived back four minutes late. She had to catch the bus to Wadsley Bridge and back to get the money.
Andrew Rodgers, boss of Funky Divas hairdressers in the centre, claimed the clampers were losing him business - saying one day alone four customers said they would not return.
The 240 million a year wheel clamping industry is unregulated and unlicensed, although clampers, like bouncers, must be a member of the Security Industry Authority.
The British Clamping Association recommends a maximum release fee of 125, but firms are free to charge any amount.
Sylvia Witney, Hillsborough centre manager, said she called in ParkingUK after "years and years" of drivers flouting car park rules. But she fired them three days later after The Star challenged her over the issue.
She said: "We have had massive problems with people refusing to pay. We gave ample warning of the introduction of clamping and there were plenty of posters up. But we've now dispensed with ParkingUK's services. We want to strike a better balance between enforcement and keeping customers happy."
Before the firm was dropped, Sulliman Khan, of ClampingUK, told The Star he had clamped six cars on Monday, five on Tuesday and one by lunchtime on Wednesday - a total of 2,220.
The shopping centre is in David Blunkett's constituency. A spokesman for Mr Blunkett said he backed objectors and would be making representations on their behalf to the centre.
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