The wheel clamps being used in a private carpark in Kerikeri are legal, police say. Tempers flared and police were called to Rock Salt carpark last week after a van owner took exception to being clamped.
Bar owner Steve Selby said he had installed warning signs and started clamping because he was fed up with people using parking spaces reserved for patrons, and the abuse he received if he asked people to park elsewhere.
Read more: Tempers flare after pub clamps illegal parkers
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.
Shoppers have been parking in the Rock Salt carpark for years but the owner started taking a hard line about six weeks ago. According to Consumer Affairs, anyone who parks on private land such as a private or shoppers-only carpark, or who has stayed too long in a paid carpark, may be trespassing. The landowner can take court action but is more likely to clamp or tow your car. There are 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.
