Ealing Broadway Clamping Firm Investigated |
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Following undercover operation by reporters
Ealing Trading Standards are investigating the activities of the private wheel clamping firm 'Park Direct' following reports in a national newspaper. The firm monitors a dozen private parking bays for businesses outside Ealing Broadway station. The Daily Mail sent an undercover team after receiving numerous complaints about the company. Reporters say they parked outside the station for just 30 seconds to read a small sign which notified them the space was private before driving off. They were sent a fine of £150. The paper also reports that the firm uses a variety of other underhand tactics including clamping unwitting drivers who are dropping off friends and family and forcing them to pay a £60 release fee. An EalingToday forum member has also reported problems with Park Direct. He received a fine three months after dropping someone off at the station and is querying its legality. The Mail's evidence has now been handed over to Ealing trading standards officers, who are investigating whether any offences have been committed. The Daily Mail is campaigning for a law to crack down on cowboy clampers. Park Direct is based in Uxbridge, West London, and is owned by an Australian, Abraham Saliba. September 17, 2009 |