Refund victory for clamping row driver
A CLAMPING firm has backed down after coming under fire over a totally unfair charge to release a man s car. Stuart Grace, of Tylney Close, Chigwell, found Newline Securities immobilising his vehicle after his parking permit had fallen off the windscree
A CLAMPING firm has backed down after coming under fire over a "totally unfair" charge to release a man's car.
Stuart Grace, of Tylney Close, Chigwell, found Newline Securities immobilising his vehicle after his parking permit had fallen off the windscreen.
But, as the Recorder reported last week, the 32-year-old's car was parked in the right bay.
In his battle to recoup the �147 release fee, Mr Grace called on the firm to admit the clamping was unfair.
He insisted the permit, though on the floor of his car, was still visible.
This week the firm agreed to repay the cash after receiving a call from Circle Anglia, the housing firm which employs them to clamp rogue vehicles.
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A spokesman for the clampers said the refund had been given as a "goodwill gesture", but they stood by the original charge.
She said: "The permit was not on display, which contravenes the terms and conditions agreed to by residents."
Mr Grace, whose call for a refund was backed by Ilford North MP Lee Scott, said: "I'm delighted to get my money back.
"It's a lot to pay for parking in your own bay. It was totally unfair.
"If you have just reason to appeal your ticket, you should do so."
Mr Grace plans to donate part of the refund to the UK Autism Foundation, a charity backed by Mr Scott.
A spokesman for Circle Anglia said: "We contacted Newline in an effort to help out, but it was down to them to make the final decision.
"We're reviewing their contract. If more complaints are made we'll see what we can do to get someone else on board.
