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Unscrupulous clampers fined Citywatch ordered to pay damages
A Tower Hamlets resident has claimed a vital victory after a near two year fight for justice against an unfair clamping charge.
by Emdad Rahman
Speaking exclusively, Mr Atta said; “I was clamped whilst I took a few minutes to pray the evening Asr prayer. They demanded that I pay £6000 to have it released.”
Mr Atta was clamped in June 2006 when he parked in the visitor's bay of his local Mosque, the Bromley by Bow Muslim Cultural Centre to pray. Although the law states that drivers can park for up to 20 minutes without penalties, Mr Atta returned before his time was up to find his car had been clamped well within the time limit.
Mr Atta’s calls to the payment hotline number went unanswered. The next day Citywatch, described by Mr Atta as, “unprofessional cowboys” demanded a £400 release fee. “This was despite it being their fault that my car was still there,” he added.
Mr Atta sought the help of his Labour Party Councillor, Rania Khan, and was also supported ably by the Bromley by Bow Muslim Cultural Centre as well. “Councillor Khan and the centre supported me all the way, and I am very thankful for their support” said Atta.
The matter eventually went to court, where CityWatch twice failed to turn up. On the second occasion, the judge dismissed the case and awarded Mr Atta just short of £4000 in compensation. “I have yet to receive a penny,” added Mr Atta.
"They said they had photos proving I had overstayed, but the times on the photos clearly didn't match what happened. I'm just relieved to be vindicated after such a long fight."
Councillor Rania Khan, who supported Mr Atta’s case commented; "I’m just happy that I have been able to offer a little support to bring justice to Mr Atta.”
“The key is accountability here, and though it is absolutely vital to enforce parking on our roads, it is also important to hold to account those who cross the line.”
In news related to the arrest of Ajmal Masroor, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Bow, who was arrested by the police on 12th January 2010 due an allegation of causing criminal damage to property of Citywatch clampers, Police at Bethnal Green Police station have cancelled the bail against Ajmal Masroor in a written letter stating, "after considering the evidence at our disposal we are taking no further action."
"I have never damaged anyone's property. The Citywatch clampers lied against me and the police arrested me on the spot without investigation. I believe this was totally biased and the police failed to follow due process before making the arrest.“
"I have always maintained my innocence and now I have been clearly vindicated. I believe unreasonable police action destroys faith in the Police force and develops mistrust. I would like to know how many people have been victims of police harassment in the borough.”
"I would also call upon those responsible for running our borough to end the unfair clamping and towing of cars immediately," Masroor added.