CAR clamping is a step closer to being banned, the day after the Daily Echo launched its campaign to Give clampers the Boot.

Last night the Protection of Freedoms Bill, which contains plans to outlaw clamping on private land, passed its latest hurdle in Parliament.

The Bill, introduced in February by Home Secretary Theresa May, will now have a final reading in the House of Commons before going on to the Lords.

It is anticipated that it could become law by early next year.

During the debate shadow Home Office minister Diana Johnson feared the plan to crack down on rogue wheel clampers would leave motorists at risk from “rogue ticketers”

instead.

“We believe rogue wheel clampers will move on and become rogue ticketers,” she said.

“If you park on the highway there’s a limit on the fines and an independent appeals process.

“But if you park in a small car park or even a large retail car park, you can face unlimited fines and there’s no formal, regulated appeal system.”

She said drivers were “bewildered” by the difference and accused the Government of a knee-jerk reaction in a bid to ban clampers.

Ms Johnson’s amendment to the Bill targeting “rogue ticketers” was defeated by 301 votes to 230.

Yesterday the Daily Echo called on MPs to have the backbone to stand up and fight for a nationwide ban on clamping on private property.

It was backed by Eastleigh MP and Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead.

Locally, we have reported on the experiences of many drivers complaining about the treatment they receive from a number of clamping firms operating within the law in and around Southampton.

They include being charged a £180 clamp release fee, a £300 tow truck fee and £42 storage costs per day – or part of a day.

Landowners fear a ban would mean they could not stop people parking on their property.

However, a recent YouGov survey found 67 per cent of adults believed clamping should be banned. The survey, which questioned 2,636 people, also found that 67 per cent thought there should be tighter regulations on clamping.

Around 14 per cent disagreed with tighter regulations while 22 per cent said clamping should not be banned.