Unlicensed wheel-clamping on private land in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, wheel-clamping on private land is still allowed — unlike in England and Wales, where it was banned in 2012. However, anyone who clamps your car in Northern Ireland must hold a valid SIA licence (a government-issued security industry licence) and must display clear signs warning that clamping takes place. They must also have a proper legal right under a contract to clamp on that land. If the clamper does not meet all of these requirements, the clamping may be unlawful. Note: if your car was clamped on a public road, that is always unlawful — only the Department for Infrastructure can act on a public road.
Legal basis
Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 Pt 2; Private Security Industry Act 2001; Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 s.116 (England/Wales-only ban); Northern Ireland Office — Private Security Industry guidance
How to identify this in your case
Photograph the clamp, signage, operator badge. Check SIA licence. Demand contractual basis. If clamp on adopted highway = always unlawful (DfI only).
Sample appeal wording
Dear Sir/Madam, Re: Vehicle [VRM] clamped at [LOCATION] on [DATE] — release fee [£X] I was clamped on [DATE]. The clamp is unlawful because [select: the clamper was not SIA-licensed (no badge displayed) / signage at the entry to the site did not comply with industry standards / the location is adopted highway and only DfI may take such action / no contractual right exists between me and your company]. I demand return of the £[X] release fee within 14 days, failing which I will issue County Court proceedings for trespass to goods (Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 s.3) and report you to the Security Industry Authority. Yours faithfully, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
Scan your PCN — our AI checks if this ground applies to your specific ticket, drafts a properly-cited appeal letter, and submits it to the council on your behalf. Only pay if you win.
Scan my ticketSources
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/3
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/12
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/9/section/116
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