GARAGE boss John Waite was angry when one of his cars was clamped.
But he was even angrier when he made a special journey to pay the fine – and then found the vehicle still clamped 22 hours later!
Mr Waite, managing director of Longley Park Motors, accepts the car should have been clamped, as it was parked on a road without a tax disc because of work at his garage premises at The Triangle, Paddock.
But despite driving to Leeds and paying the £80 fine at 1.46pm on Tuesday, and being promised the clamp would be removed within two hours, it wasn’t removed until noon yesterday – 22 hours later.
“Due to mitigating circumstances and renovation work at our dealership, which I am aware cut no ice with Government agencies, this vehicle was parked outside our gate without a displayed licence disc.
“The vehicle was parked off the road and very much out of harm’s way for no more than 30 minutes. However petty, I accept that rules are rules and as a responsible business owner I needed the car releasing the same day so I could move it back into our compound before close of business.
“My main concern is security as the car has an electrical fault and a locking problem, making it unable to secure overnight.”
Mr Waite drove to Leeds, paid the fine of £80 and produced a valid tax disc at the Hunslet DVLA/NCP Office.
“Hours later the car was still clamped. I phoned the office, only to be told first of all they couldn’t find a record of my payment, secondly all the clampers had left early and thirdly the manager had also left for the day.
“We secure all our car stock overnight to protect from theft and vandalism. We were unable to do this due through no fault of our own and would expect the fine to be refunded as a minimum.”
The Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency promised to investigate.
