Vehicle Clamping (NI) — Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 Pt 2 unlicensed wheel-clamper
Wheel-clamping in NI on private land is regulated under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 Pt 2 and the Private Security Industry Act 2001 as extended/applied to NI. Unlike Great Britain, where clamping on private land was banned by PoFA 2012 s.54, clamping on private land in Northern Ireland was NOT banned by PoFA (see s.116(1)). However, clampers must be SIA-licensed (or operating lawfully under a contractual right) and follow signage requirements. Many NI clamping operators do not meet these requirements.
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