From November 1 the Security Industry Authority will start to rein in cowboy clampers and the rogue element that has given the vehicle immobilising sector a bad name among motorists, the SIA says.
Poor service delivery and the criminal element will be removed from the industry, the SIA says, with the introduction of a new national licence for wheel clampers (operating on private land), their supervisors, managers and directors. Under new SIA regulations vehicle immobilisers will be required to undergo an identity check, a criminal records check and pass a five-day training course to show they have reached set levels of training and professional standards. From November 1 vehicle immobilisers will be able to request SIA licence application packs from the SIA call centre. From February 28, 2005 it will be illegal to operate anywhere in England and Wales as a vehicle immobiliser without an SIA licence. The licence applies to vehicle immobilisers, their supervisors, managers and directors who operate on private ground and charge a fee for release of a vehicle. The SIA will maintain a public register of licensed vehicle immobilisers. When working vehicle immobilisers will be required to wear their SIA licences, be identifiable and accountable.
What they say
SIA Chairman Peter Hermitage said: "The licensing of vehicle immobilisers provides the opportunity to set standards and drive out bad practice. In the past there have been too many rogue operators and we now have an opportunity to address them through regulation." The licence application fee for a one-year vehicle immobiliser operative (front line) licence is £190. For vehicle immobiliser supervisors, managers and directors (non-front line), the application fee of £190 is for a three-year licence. Anyone involved in immobilising or towing away vehicles on private ground against a release fee will require an SIA licence. Land owners who directly employ vehicle immobilisers will also require a licence. Front line vehicle immobilisers will be required to undergo an identity check, criminal record check and pass a five-day training course. Non-front line vehicle immobilisers, supervisors, managers and directors will only be required to undergo an identity and criminal record check and will not be required to undertake any additional training. The SIA estimates there are around 2000 vehicle immobilisers in England and Wales. The SIA says it will address these concerns and transform the industry by introducing a system of checks and by raising training standards.
