Tempers flare after pub clamps illegal parkers

This motorist managed to remove a wheel with the clamp still attached at Kerikeri's Rock Salt Bar and Restaurant, replacing it with the van's spare wheel. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Tempers have been boiling over in a Kerikeri carpark where a fed-up publican has started clamping cars.

Rock Salt Bar and Restaurant, on the corner of Kerikeri and Cobham Rd, introduced clamping in its adjoining carpark about six weeks ago.

New signs warning of the $120 clamping fee for non-patrons were erected and customer-only messages painted in yellow on the asphalt.

However, the strict new regime has caught some motorists by surprise.

Last Thursday one man, who had been shopping nearby, took exception to his van being immobilised and managed to remove the wheel with clamp still attached, replacing it with a spare wheel.

A heated exchange ensued with the bar owner and staff. Police were called and managed to defuse the stand-off.

Publican Steve Selby said he put up new signs and introduced clamping when he got fed up with trying to keep the carpark clear for Rock Salt patrons.

"I got sick of the car park being misused and the abuse we got when we asked people not to park there. When our customers pull in, there's nowhere left for them," he said.

Mr Selby said he had spent thousands of dollars on signage over the years with little effect. He had to pay for the private parking area, which was factored into his rent. Only a few cars had been clamped so far.

Kerikeri police Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said owners of private property could elect to use wheel clamps if they wished.

If a dispute arose it was a civil matter between the property owner and the owner of the vehicle that had been clamped.

"If police are called, there's nothing they can do except ensure there's no breach of the peace," he said.

According to Consumer Affairs, anyone who parks on private land such as a private or shoppers-only car park, or who has stayed too long in a paid car park, may be trespassing. The landowner can take court action but is more likely to clamp or tow your car.

There are, however, guidelines as to what is reasonable. For more information, or for advice on what to do if you don't agree with a clamping fee, go to www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/for-consumers/services/carpark-fines-towing-and-clamping