A “GOOD” clamper has said he will have to renew his licence to fine drivers who park in private land, after it was revealed a permanent ban may take up to 12 months to be passed into law.

The clamper, who does not want to be named through fear of reprisals, has signed up to the British Parking Association (BPA) so he can ticket drivers once clamping on private land is outlawed.

The government’s Freedom Bill, which will include the proposed legislation, is expected to enter Parliament within weeks, but may not become law until the turn of the year if MPs approve the plan.

The Redbridge clamper says private land owners will resort to fining drivers once clamping is outlawed, but with a �75 maximum charge and no right to tow, he calls the system “much fairer”.

He told the Recorder – �which last year campaigned for tighter regulation on clampers: “I want clamping stopped, but if its going to be next year before it happens, I’m going to have to renew my licence.

“They’re jut cowboys, charging people ridiculous amounts of money.

“It needs to be regulated.”

He says he plans to employ up to 20 people when clamping on private land is banned, believing most land owners will then turn to ticketing.

The 52-year-old said he has paid about �1,000 to gain the appropriate licensing from the BPA.

The Recorder has learned of a spate of clamping in the borough in the last few weeks, including apparent hotspot areas Frinton Mews, Gants Hill and South Park, Chadwell Heath.

Last month, cabinet member for housing Cllr Robin Turbefield had a van from his company Lodge Carpets clamped as it was delivering goods in a private road behind High Street, Barkingside.

The politician, who was fined �500, said he would explore the possibility of a local bylaw to stop what he called “extortionate” charging.