My Scoob has returned ... back to where it belongs!
29 October 2001, 06:08 PM
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It would appear that certain people couldn't resist the temptation to spoil my thunder and announce that my Scoob has turned up safe and sound 
But I have had to pay £285 for the privilege
details as follows:
My car is parked in a private road (a good thing you'd think) where there's never been a problem with parking in the past until last week. There have been four abandoned cars in the road which on Wednesday had notices put on the windscreens by the managing agents to say that they'd be taken away in 14 days' time but that was all.
There is a notice on a barrier at the end of the road to say that cars blocking the entrance will be towed away but my car wasn't blocking any entrance. I only rang the security firm as a last resort and was stunned to learn that they had towed away my car. When I asked why I was told that it was because it was a permit area, although there are no other permits in that road. They also claimed that they had clamped the vehicle on Wednesday and towed it away on Friday because it had been clamped for more than 24 hours. Well there was no clamp on it because I would have seen it as I always check the car has I pass by it each day to and from work, there was also no sticker to warn that it had been clamped. I believe their intentions to be dishonourable.
The end result: £190 to tow away a clamped vehicle and £17.50 a day storage = £285
It was also frustrating because I had to go from south London to north London to pick up keys etc and the car was being kept less than 10 minutes from where I work.
It was also annoying because both the police when I reported it and myself on Friday had rung all the appropriate people & car pounds to check that it hadn't been towed away and it had come up negative which was why it had been assumed by both police and myself that it had been stolen.
At the end of the day I'm truly thankful to have my Scoob back and I just want to thank everybody for their concern. Your support during this truly horrific time has been magnificent and truly appreciated. A special mention here to Scoobychick for making sure I was alright (even though she wasn't well) and for those who gave invaluable advice etc.
A special mention also to Salsa-King who on the day after I reported the car stolen suggested I look at the funny side .... hmmmmm
[Edited by Rebecca - 10/29/2001 6:11:53 PM]
But I have had to pay £285 for the privilege
details as follows:My car is parked in a private road (a good thing you'd think) where there's never been a problem with parking in the past until last week. There have been four abandoned cars in the road which on Wednesday had notices put on the windscreens by the managing agents to say that they'd be taken away in 14 days' time but that was all.
There is a notice on a barrier at the end of the road to say that cars blocking the entrance will be towed away but my car wasn't blocking any entrance. I only rang the security firm as a last resort and was stunned to learn that they had towed away my car. When I asked why I was told that it was because it was a permit area, although there are no other permits in that road. They also claimed that they had clamped the vehicle on Wednesday and towed it away on Friday because it had been clamped for more than 24 hours. Well there was no clamp on it because I would have seen it as I always check the car has I pass by it each day to and from work, there was also no sticker to warn that it had been clamped. I believe their intentions to be dishonourable.
The end result: £190 to tow away a clamped vehicle and £17.50 a day storage = £285
It was also frustrating because I had to go from south London to north London to pick up keys etc and the car was being kept less than 10 minutes from where I work.
It was also annoying because both the police when I reported it and myself on Friday had rung all the appropriate people & car pounds to check that it hadn't been towed away and it had come up negative which was why it had been assumed by both police and myself that it had been stolen.
At the end of the day I'm truly thankful to have my Scoob back and I just want to thank everybody for their concern. Your support during this truly horrific time has been magnificent and truly appreciated. A special mention here to Scoobychick for making sure I was alright (even though she wasn't well) and for those who gave invaluable advice etc.
A special mention also to Salsa-King who on the day after I reported the car stolen suggested I look at the funny side .... hmmmmm
[Edited by Rebecca - 10/29/2001 6:11:53 PM]
29 October 2001, 06:13 PM
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Thats gr8 news Bex.
happy to hear its back and in 1 piece.
some of them clamping firms are a bit dodgy from wot u see and hear in the papers / tv etc.
must have been a relief to find it had only been towed away and not stolen and then damaged etc.
assume you'll not be able to prove they towed it away when they should not have ?
Steve
happy to hear its back and in 1 piece.
some of them clamping firms are a bit dodgy from wot u see and hear in the papers / tv etc.
must have been a relief to find it had only been towed away and not stolen and then damaged etc.
assume you'll not be able to prove they towed it away when they should not have ?
Steve
29 October 2001, 06:13 PM
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Bex,
There is a notice on a barrier at the end of the road to say that cars blocking the entrance will be towed away but my car wasn't blocking any entrance
What is the EXACT wording on the notice at the front gate.
As I said on the phone to you. I would fight this, as unless it says something like
"Cars not displaying a correct permit will be clamped then towed away. The release fee is £85 quid"
every few yards or so
Then they have commited trespass against you and you can claim all the money back. The onus is on them to prove that this.
check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/parkingticket/messages
Still 285 quid is a lot better than several thousand.
The Bex is back
[Edited by Neil Smalley - 10/29/2001 6:14:09 PM]
There is a notice on a barrier at the end of the road to say that cars blocking the entrance will be towed away but my car wasn't blocking any entrance
What is the EXACT wording on the notice at the front gate.
As I said on the phone to you. I would fight this, as unless it says something like
"Cars not displaying a correct permit will be clamped then towed away. The release fee is £85 quid"
every few yards or so
Then they have commited trespass against you and you can claim all the money back. The onus is on them to prove that this.
check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/parkingticket/messages
Still 285 quid is a lot better than several thousand.
The Bex is back
[Edited by Neil Smalley - 10/29/2001 6:14:09 PM]
29 October 2001, 06:14 PM
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Glad that you got your Cat back Bex now you have to try to prove that they took your car without following procedures, then you can do them and get your money back 
Tony
now you have to try to prove that they took your car without following procedures, then you can do them and get your money back Tony
29 October 2001, 06:18 PM
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I dunno if this will work Bex but get advice from CAB first then if you feel that you have been wronged (and it sounds like it) make a complaint to the local council saying that you believe that this company is making fraudulant claims etc or better still and with enough evidence report them to the police!
Worth a try
Tony
(edited cos i cant spell!!!! DOH!!!!!!!)
[Edited by TonyBurns - 10/29/2001 6:20:07 PM]
Worth a try
Tony
(edited cos i cant spell!!!! DOH!!!!!!!)
[Edited by TonyBurns - 10/29/2001 6:20:07 PM]
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When you go to collect it make sure there are no "extra" marks on your car. i.e wheel scuffs, paint scratches etc.
29 October 2001, 06:59 PM
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Rebecca
I was a "witness". When the clamping company came to take your car away it was not Clamped. Nor had it been clamped during the 12. Hours before it was taken away.
"Witnesses" are always usefull. I believe there were also 2 other "witnesses". I am sure they will come forward to help.
What was the name of the clamping firm ,also tel.number???
Chances are they are not insured ,nor paying tax or VAT.Local tax office will help.
Luke
I was a "witness". When the clamping company came to take your car away it was not Clamped. Nor had it been clamped during the 12. Hours before it was taken away.
"Witnesses" are always usefull. I believe there were also 2 other "witnesses". I am sure they will come forward to help.
What was the name of the clamping firm ,also tel.number???
Chances are they are not insured ,nor paying tax or VAT.Local tax office will help.
Luke
29 October 2001, 07:00 PM
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hmmm... i suspect the clamper acted "illegally". they are suppose to clamp your car first with warning sticker on the windscreen before taking it away. i remember watching "white man van" on ITV and the clamper just tow the car away (possible damage to brakes and suspension on your car!) rather than lifting it away.
i am sure you are more than glad to get the car back but dont let cowboy clamper get away with it if they have acted without proper procedure!
anyway, have a look at http://www.parking.org.uk/clamp3.htm
i am sure you are more than glad to get the car back but dont let cowboy clamper get away with it if they have acted without proper procedure!
anyway, have a look at http://www.parking.org.uk/clamp3.htm
29 October 2001, 07:20 PM
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Nice one Bex.....I'm sooo pleased you have your car back.
Someone needs a kick up the Ar$e by the sound of it.
Cheers
Colin
Someone needs a kick up the Ar$e by the sound of it.
Cheers
Colin
29 October 2001, 07:49 PM
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Phew i guess all is now well what a relief but you need to look into the clampers as there are many a rogue clamping companies
but i guess what matterrs most is that it's BACK
but i guess what matterrs most is that it's BACK
29 October 2001, 08:09 PM
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Good news Bex, glad you got it back
There is no way I'd be paying them money for all the hassle they have caused you, if you haven't paid it yet get someone with a credit card to pay it for you, explain to the credit card company that you are not paying the money to them, and exactly the circumstances involved, then once they have taken care of it, take the clamping company to the small claims court
There is no way I'd be paying them money for all the hassle they have caused you, if you haven't paid it yet get someone with a credit card to pay it for you, explain to the credit card company that you are not paying the money to them, and exactly the circumstances involved, then once they have taken care of it, take the clamping company to the small claims court
29 October 2001, 08:35 PM
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Bex,
Just a thought. As soon as it's light. go out and take photo's of where the car was parked, and any nearby signs. The private company could change/alter the signs around leaving you with minimal evidence.
Just a thought. As soon as it's light. go out and take photo's of where the car was parked, and any nearby signs. The private company could change/alter the signs around leaving you with minimal evidence.
29 October 2001, 08:48 PM
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Horay, glad you've got your Scoob back Bex. I had something similar years ago when my car was removed but this was by the police. i decided not to argue. I'd ask the clamping people to document evidence to show they followed procedure or refund you within 14 days or see a solicitor or citizens advice thingy.
AllanB
AllanB
