TOUGHER rules need to be enforced as soon as possible against clamping companies demanding huge sums to release cars, according to a Derby MP.

And a city councillor has called for a boycott of Crompton Street car park after claims from drivers that they were being told to pay hundreds of pounds in fines.

But the firm responsible for the clamping – City Parks Management Ltd – says it has done nothing wrong and that drivers should be more careful.

Derby North MP Bob Laxton said new regulations were needed to prevent excessive charges on the same day the Government promised to get tough on rules about parking on private land.

The Labour MP said: "I'm very careful about where I park, but I would be enraged if somebody clamped me.

"There should be some proper controls over these companies, although it's difficult because they are on privately owned land.

"There needs to be a ceiling on the amount that can be charged for breaking parking regulations and some proper regulation of the companies."

In 2005, wheel-clamping on private land without a licence became a criminal offence.

Anyone clamping, towing or blocking vehicles for a fee needs a licence from the Security Industry Authority – which the clamper on Crompton Street showed to the Derby Telegraph.

All wheel-clampers in England now have to undergo training, criminal record checks and identity checks in order to be granted a licence to clamp.

But there is no limit to the fines which can be handed out on private land.

Drivers in Crompton Street are handed £100 parking fines, which are reduced to £50 if it is settled within seven days. But scores claim to have also been hit with £125 release fees after being clamped for parking on the line – even if they say they are just centimetres over.

Labour councillor Ranjit Banwait said: "The penalties are totally disproportionate in comparison to the offence. Drivers should take matters into their own hands and hurt the clampers where it hurts – in the pocket.

"That's why I'm urging drivers not to park at the car park for a week or so. That'll soon send the clampers a clear message."

Sue Simnett, 26, of Littleover, said she was asked for £165 after being clamped.

Her husband, Steve, said the clamper demanded personal possessions such as her mobile phone as "security" against payment.

He said: "When she said she did not have £165, only £100, he took it and gave no receipt. This needs to be stopped."

Amy Reid, of London Road, Alvaston, said she had to pay £125 after her car was clamped for being over the line – despite the fact there were no other vehicles there.

The 28-year-old, who paid £1.20 to park for an hour, said: "I always use that car park but I won't be going there again and I would advise other people to boycott it too.

"I'm setting up a Facebook group telling people not to park there."

Yesterday morning, clamping was still being carried out when the site was visited by a Derby Telegraph reporter.

The man carrying out the clamping, wearing sunglasses, spoke to the reporter.

But after clamping one car in 40 minutes, he chatted on a mobile phone before removing the clamp – despite the fact the motorist had not yet returned – and drove off.

The parking attendant employed by City Parks Management Ltd then also disappeared from the site.

Matthew Rutherford, who runs City Parks Management Ltd, said more drivers were now parking within the lines, and returning to their cars on time, since the clamping operation began.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said an "action plan" would be revealed later in the year to give more protection to motorists in England.

Mr Khan said: "We will not tolerate overcharging or intimidating motorists."

Click here to read Matthew Rutherford's response.