Television New Zealand's Fair Go programme has highlighted exploitive activity of some wheel-clamp and tow-truck operators. A campaign was started to petition the government to take action in addressing the uncertainty surrounding legal rights of motorists using car parks.
We support the campaign, and the recommendations for reform:
- Operators of private and commercial car parks be required to post prominent notices warning motorists of the risk of being towed or clamped, and be required to release cars without charge where such notices do not exist.
- Wheel clamp operators be registered to prevent unscrupulous individuals working in the industry.
- Charges for releasing cars be reasonable, and based on the actual cost of clamping or towing.
- Rules be enacted to ensure cars are not clamped or towed when their owners are present. There should also be exemptions for certain vehicles, such as those of emergency services.
- Legislation be enacted to remove any doubt about the legally dubious practise of issuing a private parking ticket, purporting to fine a motorist for overstaying a car park.
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