Clamping

Clamping involves immobilising vehicles by securing a device to their wheels, a method traditionally used to prevent unauthorised parking. However, car clamping on private land is illegal in the UK unless performed by authorised bodies such as the DVLA, local councils, or police. These organisations can instruct private contractors to carry out clamping in cases involving unpaid taxes, safety hazards, or abandoned vehicles.

For private property owners, clamping for nuisance parking isn’t an option, but modern, compliant alternatives are available. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) offers an efficient, lawful solution for managing unauthorised parking.

Clamping on private land: is it legal?

Clamping on private land by private landowners or companies is strictly prohibited in the UK. Only official bodies – such as the DVLA, police, or local councils – can authorise clamping under specific conditions to maintain public safety or address legal violations on public land.

For private landowners, enforcement tools like ANPR and Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) provide effective control over parking without the legal risks associated with clamping vehicles.

Clamping versus ANPR

When comparing clamping with ANPR for managing unauthorised parking, ANPR proves to be the more effective, lawful, and user-friendly option:

If you are interested in ANPR parking management on your property, book a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your options with one of our team.

How we can help you move beyond clamping

If you’re looking for a viable alternative to clamping of cars on your property, ANPR provides a reliable, compliant way to keep control. Our ANPR solutions are tailored to support private landowners with automated monitoring, issuance of PCNs for unauthorised vehicles, and full compliance with UK laws.

With our support, you can streamline parking management and maintain your property’s accessibility without the complications associated with clamping. To learn more about how ANPR can work for you, book a consultation with our team today.

We work with business of all shapes and sizes across the UK including:

Clamping on private land FAQs

Why is clamping illegal on private land?

Clamping on private land was banned to protect drivers from unfair practices. Only authorised bodies like the DVLA and police can instruct clamping in cases involving public safety or legal violations on public roads.

Private landowners can use ANPR systems to monitor and enforce parking rules, providing a fully compliant and effective approach without the need for clamping.

ANPR automates the identification of unauthorised vehicles, allowing property owners to issue PCNs (Parking Charge Notices) and access real-time parking data. This efficient system reduces the need for manual enforcement and keeps spaces accessible

Who we help

Ready to reclaim your parking?

If you’re ready to put an end to unauthorised parking issues, Creative Car Park is here to help you find a solution that works. Call us today at 0333 242 5529 or contact us online to discuss your needs and take the first step toward a more organised, accessible space.