A DECISION to ban wheel clamping on private land has been welcomed by an MP.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has welcomed the government’s announcement that wheel clamping on private land in England and Wales will be banned by new legislation in November.

The ban will mean companies will be committing a criminal offence and liable for civil sanction if they clamp or tow away a motorist’s car while it is parked on private land.

Mr Johnson said: “For too long motorists have fallen victim to unscrupulous tactics by many clamping firms.

“Reports of motorists being marched to cash points or left stranded after their car has been towed are simply unacceptable.”