Mandatory Pre-Clamping Signage Requirements (Irish Regulations 2017)
The Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 and the Vehicle Clamping (Licensing of Clamping Operators and Code of Practice) Regulations 2017 impose strict requirements on the signage that must be displayed before a private car park can be subject to clamping enforcement. Signs must be prominently displayed at all entry points, must include the clamping fee, and must be clearly legible. Failure to display compliant signage means the clamping was unlawful regardless of whether the vehicle was technically in breach of parking conditions.
Legal basis
Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 s.8; Vehicle Clamping Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 245 of 2017)
How to identify this in your case
You were clamped in a private car park in Ireland. Photograph all entry point signs. If any sign is missing, illegible, does not show the clamping fee, or is not at a vehicle entry point, the clamping was unlawful.
Sample appeal wording
I am writing to formally dispute the clamping charge of €[amount] imposed on vehicle [registration] at [location] on [date]. The Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 and the Vehicle Clamping (Licensing of Clamping Operators and Code of Practice) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 245 of 2017) impose mandatory signage requirements. Before a vehicle may lawfully be clamped, warning signs must be: - Prominently displayed at all vehicle entry points to the land - Clearly legible - Include the clamping fee and release procedure At the time my vehicle was clamped, the signage at [location] was [missing/illegible/incomplete — specify]. I have photographic evidence supporting this. As the signage requirements were not met, the clamping was unlawful under the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015. I demand a full refund of the €[amount] release fee paid. Failure to refund will result in a complaint to the NTA and a claim in the Small Claims Court.
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 s.8
- S.I. No. 245 of 2017