A PENSIONER who succesfully challenged large penalties imposed by a clamping firm hopes his case gives others the coinfidence to stand up for themselves.
John Unwin of Underwood Road, Chingford, returned to his car in March after watching his beloved Leyton Orient take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium to find his car clamped in Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow, by 2012 Parking Solutions.
The clamper said he must pay a £250 release fee, but when he contacted the firm after returning home to collect the cash, he was told the fine had increased to £375 because the car had been towed away and would rise to £500 if he waited to pay the next day.
He reluctantly paid the fine and admits there were warning signs where he parked, but friends encouraged him to do something about the astronomical charges. He discovered the firm were not registered with the Securities Industry Agency, despite claims on its website.
He then decided to challenge the charges of £125 for the removal of the clamp and the £325 penalty for being towed just 200 yards.
After tracking 2012 Parking Solutions down, he decided to take them to court.
After months of form filling and phone calls, a date was finally set for the hearing at Bow County Court. Nicholas Vrahini, owner of the clamping company, failed to show and the judge ruled him to repay the money.
Mr Unwin added: “Some of my friends said to me, John, you have to fight this, you can't let them get away with it.
“I feel relieved. It has taken months and months of writing to the courts and it was so frustrating at times, but I have finally won.
“That amount of money is a lot to anybody and as a pensioner it is very difficult to lose that kind of money.
“Maybe this will prompt more people to make claims against unscrupulous clamping companies like these."
Proud wife, Hilary, 68, describing the clampers said: “It's like you're being mugged before your very eyes and there's nothing you can do about it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel