Vince Cable

The threat, last week, to clamp the Mayor's car in Flood Lane, Twickenham, highlighted the growing number of problems arising form private wheel clamping companies.

The position will change on 1 April with the establishment of a Security Industry Authority which will license clampers and prevent "cowboys" from operating.

Vincent Cable said: "there are far too many dodgy companies fleecing motorists for as much money as possible. I have recently had cases of constituents being landed with bills of hundreds of pounds for minor traffic offences. "

"After April anyone encountering bully-boy tactics from these people has a government agency to back them up and they should use it".