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Various angles to do with SIA licensing of private security are covered in each print issue. Next month among the sectors covered will be events and CCTV operators; in February it was dog handlers. For now:
The deadline for wheel clampers to get Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences has gone back two months to May 3.
As reported in our February issue, the original February 28 deadline for a clamper (officially called vehicle immobiliser) licence was put off. The SIA reported that Edexcel, the exam awarding body responsible for awarding the level 2 wheel clamper qualification, flagged up late submission of paperwork from some training centres. The SIA got ministerial approval for the leeway because some applicants would have unable to apply and receive their licence in time.
What they say
Andy Drane, Deputy Chief Executive of the SIA, said: "Whilst the SIA normally takes a tough line on offence dates, it would have been unfair to criminalise people or legitimate businesses that have genuinely tried to comply with the law. After May 3 it will be illegal for anyone involved in immobilising, towing away or blocking-in vehicles on private land against a release fee, to work without an SIA licence. I would therefore urge anyone who has got the qualification and hasnโt already applied for their licence to do so immediately, if they intend to still be working in this industry in two months time."
Sallyann Baldry at Edexcel said: "We are working closely with the approved training providers to ensure that all candidates are correctly registered for tests and that test papers are submitted and certificates issued in accordance with the standards agreed with the SIA. We back the SIAโs need to establish high quality training provision and are confident that this will result in a rise in standards of professionalism within the private security industry."
Some VI background
The SIA puts the number of vehicle immobilisers operating in England and Wales at 2,000. While only a fraction of the door and security guard sectors, wheel clamping is an emotive subject among the general public; and the clamping sector is extremely fragmented. Anyone involved in immobilising, towing away or blocking in vehicles on private ground against a release fee will require an SIA licence. Land owners who directly employ vehicle immobilisers will require a non-front line 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 extra training. For details ring the SIA call centre on 08702 430 100.
