EDITOR'S CHOICE SECRET MILLIONAIRE Loaded questions VIEW FROM THE HILL Why don’t YOU walk to school? YOUR HEALTH Too risky to enjoy a hug GET OUR NEWS BY E-MAIL Just register

Most read Comments 1 Thank you for the musical 2 Man out of Africa 3 Fields of Conflict 4 Murray - Scottish or British? 5 Skating on thin ice with the best 6 TWO DEAD IN WEEKEND OF VIOLENCE 7 Town’s regatta and carnival pull in the crowds 8 SEIZED BY THE POLICE 9 Vokes grateful for rival's advice 10 Tips of the iceberg Today | 7 Days 1 Rocked by reef

CAUGHT OUT: Diane Horsfall, left, and Annette Williams at the car parking area in Latimer Road Picture: Corin Messer

Buy this photo

DOZENS of pensioners and other shoppers have been caught out by clampers in Winton.

Clamping has only recently been introduced to a car parking area in Latimer Road, which users claim has provided free parking for the last 10 years.

Although signs are displayed in the car park, they are not near the entrance and many people have missed them.

And members of the public who put temporary signs at the entrance to the car park to warn others said they have been removed by representatives of the clamping firm, Ultimate SIG Parking Services.

Angry motorists have contacted the Daily Echo after paying the £150 fee to have a clamp removed from their vehicles.

And now they plan to write to local MPs in a bid to get a change in the law.

"I am a pensioner and I would never have parked there if I had thought for one minute that I would get clamped," said Diane Horsfall from West Moors.

"I have been parking there for years and I did not see anything unusual when I arrived.

WARNING SIGNS: They are not near the entrance and many motorists have missed them

Buy this photo

"It was only after I was clamped that I saw the small sign on the wall."

Mrs Horsfall, 65, said she was in tears when she realised she would have to pay £150.

Annette Williams, also a pensioner, told the Daily Echo: "I was shocked when I was told it was £150 - I only get £98 per week.

"I didn't have enough money with me so I had to go home on the bus and get a neighbour to come back with me to sort it out."

She added: "I think it is disgusting that they can get away with this.

"There should be a sign at the entrance to warn people about the clamping."

The car park is opposite the Salvation Army's community centre, The Place Next Door, and many visitors have been affected.

"I have seen a number of people who genuinely did not realise they were doing anything wrong," said a spokesman for the centre. "They are very upset about it."

A spokesman for the clamping company told the Daily Echo they were operating within the law and declined to comment further.

1:00pm Thursday 28th August 2008

Print

Email this