Secure and immobilize your vehicle with this robust and secure wheel clamp. The Halfords Wheel Clamp Lock is the ideal thief deterrent for your vehicle and is quick and easy to fit. Fully adjustable and designed to fit tyres that measure up to 24.5cm.
It is illegal to clamp, block or tow away a car parked on private land or property unless you have lawful authority. Lawful authorities are only considered to be organisations such as the police, DVLA and local authorities.
Yes, wheel clamps are an effective deterrent against thieves. They provide a visible and physical barrier that makes it extremely difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle.
Keeping your car secure can be as simple as anchoring it in place with a good wheel clamp. Devices like steering locks are another simple protection device, but for pure protection, a wheel clamp cannot be beaten.
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PFA 2012), it is now a criminal offence to clamp, tow, block-in or immobilise a vehicle without lawful authority on privately owned land. The ban was introduced to end abuses by rogue clamping firms who preyed on motorists by charging excessive release fees.
The 5 Best Wheel Locks | Wheel locks clamp security (buying guide)
Is wheel clamping legal in UK?
It is a criminal offence to clamp/block/tow away a vehicle on private land without lawful authority. Lawful authority to immobilise or move a vehicle is restricted to a number of organisation such as the police, DVLA and local authorities.
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PFA 2012), it is now a criminal offence to clamp, tow, block-in or immobilise a vehicle without lawful authority on privately owned land. The ban was introduced to end abuses by rogue clamping firms who preyed on motorists by charging excessive release fees.
Under Section 68.1 of Schedule 12 (TCEA 2007) it is a serious offence to remove a wheel clamp or to obstruct the bailiff from clamping or removing the vehicle. A person found guilty on conviction may face being fined (level 4) or sent to prison for a term not exceeding 51 weeks…or both.
Wheel clamping does have some disadvantages as a tactic. One clear disadvantage compared with towing is that the vehicle clamped continues to occupy the space and may obstruct traffic until it is released.
In summary, while both wheel clamps and steering locks offer valuable security features, wheel clamps provide a visible deterrent and immobilisation that make them a preferred choice for many drivers in the UK.
To commit this offence a person must intend to prevent the owner/driver from moving their vehicle. Therefore, clamping your own car to prevent theft would not be an offence.
If possible, park where there are surveillance cameras. Lock the wheels when parking. This makes it more difficult to remove the wheels as it prevents thieves from turning the wheels forward again without a key in the ignition. Use wheel chocks on each wheel, including the spare.
As long as you don't cause an obstruction to the road or damage the offending car, there's no reason you can't get a little bit of revenge (if not justice) by positioning your own car or other property to block them in – because there's no way you can be done for trespassing on your own property.
You'll need the help of a solicitor to get permission from the civil court to identify the vehicle's legal owner. Following this, to remove the vehicle from your property, you'll need a judge to grant the order in court.
Bailiffs can only clamp your vehicle if they find it parked at your home, business or in a public place like a road or car park. To stop them clamping your vehicle you can: park it in a locked garage. move it to a friend or family member's driveway - make sure you have their permission.
It's also not advisable to take matters into your own hands and physically do anything to remove the vehicle. Even though it is an offence to park on your property without permission, if you do anything to the offending vehicle it could constitute a criminal offence – especially if the car is damaged in the process.
Bailiffs should always check the DVLA and Hire Purchase Index to confirm ownership of a vehicle before taking it into control. If you have a vehicle, this will often be the bailiff's first target. Vehicles are easy to find, easy to sell and often the highest value item someone owns.
The police, the local council or the DVLA can clamp and tow away cars or other vehicles parked illegally on roads or public land. The DVLA can act when it has the lawful authority to do so if a car is untaxed - unless it's on your own property.
England and Wales. Under England and Wales' Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Section 1(1) states it is an offence to carry an offensive weapon on or about the person while in a public place without a lawful authority or reasonable excuse. Prohibited weapons may include a knuckleduster, baton, hammer or knife.
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PFA 2012), it is now a criminal offence to clamp, tow, block-in or immobilise a vehicle without lawful authority on privately owned land. The ban was introduced to end abuses by rogue clamping firms who preyed on motorists by charging excessive release fees.
