OP
@mpthreebrit avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
 
Enthusiast
@mpthreebrit avatar
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
UTC quote
Left work today at 6.30pm to find my scooter had been towed away. I've been parking in the same spot for ages - under the arches next to Nuffield Gym (formerly Cannons Gym) behind Cannon St tube. Basically an alleyway with scooters & mototrbikes parked across each side. I realised there was a new sign that had been put up recently on one side which I hadn't seen before, right at the end. There were still several motorbikes parked there as there were this morning, except mine!

I went back to work, phoned the number from the sign and was told that my scooter had been towed away and was now in Swanley, Kent. The guy who was on a mobile and driving at the time told me the sign was new and had been put up in the past month (i reckon last week) - it would cost me £415 cash (as their card machine was broken). £125 for clamping, £250 for towing and £40 per day storage.

So basically I have to trek out to the middle of nowhere tomorrow morning between 9-12 with £415 cash to hand over to some dodgy guy in the middle of an industrial estate. Trains leave from Victoria but with Met, Jubilee & Victoria lines all out due to 'engineering work' i'm screwed!

If the guy decides to knife me and take the cash plus my scooter then the address is Unit 5, Mark Way, Swanley Kent.

Seriously though, any London-based members who used to park there - beware of the new sign and hopefully none of you will have to go through the same hassle as me.

Rant over and thanks for listening!
UTC

Ossessionato
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3610
 
Ossessionato
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3610
UTC quote
WOW!.................That's a lot of money for parking in the wrong place. Sorry to hear of your misfortune.
@tailormarc avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
 
Molto Verboso
@tailormarc avatar
GTS300Super White
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1107
Location: Essex
UTC quote
That is a complete joke.

I have no words of advice or wisdom to offer but I feel for you.

(wear a Kevlar vest )
@genie avatar
UTC

Gobshite Shiva
Kymco Downtown 300i the 'Dolphin Noise'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 14960
Location: London UK
 
Gobshite Shiva
@genie avatar
Kymco Downtown 300i the 'Dolphin Noise'
Joined: UTC
Posts: 14960
Location: London UK
UTC quote
what a complete pain in the arse. i bet the sign was 6" x 6" and mounted about ten feet up a pole too
@nightwing avatar
UTC

Contributor
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8577
Location: New Hampshire
 
Contributor
@nightwing avatar
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8577
Location: New Hampshire
UTC quote
So, what did the sign say?

Edit:

Not being a smartass, but what was the exact wording on what we all know was a no parking sign? Violators will be towed? Parking by permit only? Parking for residents/business only? No two wheeled vehicles?

Finally, when did you really notice it?
⚠️ Last edited by NightWing on UTC; edited 1 time
@dougl avatar
UTC

El Macho
0/0
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9052
Location: Porto 4050-570
 
El Macho
@dougl avatar
0/0
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9052
Location: Porto 4050-570
UTC quote
Take a picture and use the small claims court. Ask for a receipt and write on it that you are "paying under protest".
@bill_dog avatar
UTC

eeeee bip
BMW R1100RT The Problem Child Kymco Downtown 300 - I'm not the Uber BMW R1200 RT Big Red
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21004
Location: South East Great England of Britishland
 
eeeee bip
@bill_dog avatar
BMW R1100RT The Problem Child Kymco Downtown 300 - I'm not the Uber BMW R1200 RT Big Red
Joined: UTC
Posts: 21004
Location: South East Great England of Britishland
UTC quote
Cif
That's just beyond a joke. Sorry Fella.

Bill X
@louispain avatar
UTC

Hooked
Cosa and P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 204
Location: Spain
 
Hooked
@louispain avatar
Cosa and P200E
Joined: UTC
Posts: 204
Location: Spain
UTC quote
Have a look at www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk in the parking and offences forum. Theres a lot of legislation the clamping companies are required to comply with.


Valid Clamping?

Under the PSI Act and existing case law for clamping to be valid the following must be present or take place

1)There must be clear and prominent signs indicating a vehicle may be immobilised.
2)The signs should contain
a)A number at which an offer to pay the release fee can be made
b)The amount of the release fee (which should be reasonable)
3)Upon an offer to pay or payment being made the vehicle must be released in a reasonable amount of time
4)The person immobilising the vehicle must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority.
5)The person immobilising or releasing the vehicle must have their Security Industry Authority identification badge on display.
6)Upon payment a receipt must be issued. The receipt should contain the:
a)the name of the license holder
b)the signature of the license holder
c)the license holders SIA License number
d)the location where the vehicle was clamped or towed
e)the date when the vehicle was clamped or towed
@tb avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Vespa 2005 GT200 & Honda Metro
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3517
Location: Honolulu
 
Ossessionato
@tb avatar
Vespa 2005 GT200 & Honda Metro
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3517
Location: Honolulu
UTC quote
Might be worthwhile to protest...not sure if you'd be able to get you money returned...good luck.
@techguy avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Kymco P250 Now, P200E in the 80's
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3908
Location: Antelope, CA, USA
 
Ossessionato
@techguy avatar
Kymco P250 Now, P200E in the 80's
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3908
Location: Antelope, CA, USA
UTC quote
That sucks! Good luck in your efforts to get back you scoot and then your money.

You would think they'd need to to ticket you the first time and them tow if you repeated.
@quipmc avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2005 GT 200L Grigio_Smoky a.k.a. "Il Grande Lebowski"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3028
Location: B'game, CA
 
Ossessionato
@quipmc avatar
2005 GT 200L Grigio_Smoky a.k.a. "Il Grande Lebowski"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3028
Location: B'game, CA
UTC quote
That's simply horrible. I'm surprised they went staight to towing, but I honestly don't know UK regs.

At least here in the states there have been a number of incidents where towing companies have decided to enrich themselves by "enforcing" regulations somewhat beyond the law...that is, if the law is ticket, wait, then tow, they run around finding things to tow on their own that haven't actually been ticketed.

In this case though, if the place you were parking is private property, the property owner can call in a tow truck at will.

It does seem very, very high. Suggest you may want to check with whatever authority planted the sign.

I would be steamed too!
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44540
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44540
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Sign up to the torytax.com forums and have a rant there as well. You will find many supporters.
@yelgib avatar
UTC

Hooked
2008 GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 189
Location: Orlando, FL
 
Hooked
@yelgib avatar
2008 GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 189
Location: Orlando, FL
UTC quote
Besides "signing under protest" make sure you check your scoot thoughly for any damages that may have occurred due to their improper towing. Take a digital camera with you to document before driving away.

Good luck.
@greasy125 avatar
UTC

Sergeant at Arms
Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15079
Location: The state of insanity, SoCal
 
Sergeant at Arms
@greasy125 avatar
Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15079
Location: The state of insanity, SoCal
UTC quote
as a former tow driver and repo i feel for you.
man, that is some real underhanded shit... and 680us is just out-fucking-rageous for a pull.

jeeze when i get to the UK i'm walking everywhere!

best,
-greasy
@mike_bike_kite avatar
UTC

Banned
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
 
Banned
@mike_bike_kite avatar
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
UTC quote
That is outrageous. In the good old days the police etc used to be there to protect us from criminals, these days they seem to make us into criminals or just rob us direct. I'm sure glad it wasn't me as I'm just not sure how I'd react.
@znomit avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10792
Location: Hermit Kingdom
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@znomit avatar
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10792
Location: Hermit Kingdom
UTC quote
Re: So angry - need to vent!
mpthreebrit wrote:
£125 for clamping, £250 for towing and £40 per day storage.
Thats outrageous!
I think I'm in the wrong business.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44540
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44540
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
If it was private land, and the 'clamper' was properly registered, sadly it is totally legal.

For the present - this may change.
OP
@mpthreebrit avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
 
Enthusiast
@mpthreebrit avatar
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
UTC quote
Thanks for all your replies - they DID make me feel slightly better. Anyhow I have just returned from picking up my scoot. Luckily I didn't get knifed just a bad case of daylight robbery. It cost me £435 ($718) in total with train, cab & bus fares etc.

I started arguing with them as to why they had to clamp AND tow - as they admitted they towed straight away. They said they clamp first 'just in case' I return whilst they are towing and try to ride away. But basically as soon as the clamp is put on (£125) they load it into the tow truck (£250).

To add insult to injury they scratched up one of my wheels pretty badly with the clamp and I now have to write in and appeal. No doubt it will take 6 months to process and in the end they will claim the wheel was already scratched. I was planning on holding onto the cash until I inspected my scoot but the heavies wouldn't allow me near it until I had paid up. I was outnumbered and in a weak position. To be honest I just wanted to get the hell out of there in one piece.

I made a mistake in signing a document which they said I had to sign to confirm I had picked up the scoot - I only noticed the scratched wheel once I got home so I might have signed to say the scoot was in good condition when I picked it up. I know, a stupid mistake to make. All the more painful having received sound advice (thanks Yelgib) to check BEFORE riding off, but as I said, I just wanted to get the hell out of there.

Jeez, I hope you're all having better weekends than me![/quote]
@cattus avatar
UTC

Member
PX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: Seattle
 
Member
@cattus avatar
PX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: Seattle
UTC quote
£435? That's not moral
@nightwing avatar
UTC

Contributor
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8577
Location: New Hampshire
 
Contributor
@nightwing avatar
2007 LX 150 (memories)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8577
Location: New Hampshire
UTC quote
Again, what was the wording on the sign?
OP
@mpthreebrit avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
 
Enthusiast
@mpthreebrit avatar
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
UTC quote
NightWing wrote:
Again, what was the wording on the sign?
Can't remember the exact wording but will check again next week.
NightWing wrote:
Finally, when did you really notice it?
I first noticed it when i walked up and down the alleyway looking for my scooter. As I said before, both sides of the alleyway are used for parking and the sign has only gone up recently on one side.
@vezpa avatar
UTC

Banned
Vespa GTS 300 Super & Vespa P125X
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4134
Location: St. Petersburg Florida
 
Banned
@vezpa avatar
Vespa GTS 300 Super & Vespa P125X
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4134
Location: St. Petersburg Florida
UTC quote
Call the cops and say it was stolen from someplace else.
@tonyf avatar
UTC

Addicted
Red SYM HD200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 740
Location: Bay Area, CA
 
Addicted
@tonyf avatar
Red SYM HD200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 740
Location: Bay Area, CA
UTC quote
Definitely, you were charged excessively. I can't believe they can do that to you in London, but here you are telling us so it must be true. Hopefully you'll eventually obtain some degree of satisfaction regarding reimbursement for the scratched wheel.
UTC

Addicted
Joined: UTC
Posts: 592
Location: San Francisco
 
Addicted
Joined: UTC
Posts: 592
Location: San Francisco
UTC quote
Holy crap! That's robbery!

How'd they tow your MP3?!?!
@mike_bike_kite avatar
UTC

Banned
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
 
Banned
@mike_bike_kite avatar
GTS250 - GT200 - XJR1300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1424
Location: SW London, UK
UTC quote
VEZPA wrote:
Call the cops and say it was stolen from someplace else.
That wouldn't work as the police would just point out that the bike obviously hadn't been tampered with ie locks broken etc and then they'd charge you for wasting their time. Whether you can charge the tow people for daylight robbery is another question.
@steveinsac avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 GT200 1979 P200E 1980 P200E 2011 Triumph America
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1268
Location: Sacramento
 
Molto Verboso
@steveinsac avatar
2007 GT200 1979 P200E 1980 P200E 2011 Triumph America
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1268
Location: Sacramento
UTC quote
Give me the address of the clamper. I'll come over there and set 'em straight!
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
OP
@mpthreebrit avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
 
Enthusiast
@mpthreebrit avatar
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
UTC quote
SteveinSac wrote:
Give me the address of the clamper. I'll come over there and set 'em straight!
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
Thanks SteveinSac, if ever there was someone who needed 'setting straight' it would be these guys. Unfortunately clamping in the UK is quite a profitable business run by thugs.
OP
@mpthreebrit avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
 
Enthusiast
@mpthreebrit avatar
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 99
Location: London
UTC quote
Ratboy wrote:
Holy crap! That's robbery!

How'd they tow your MP3?!?!
They used hydraulic jacks to lift it into a truck.
@xmanhoe avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Belvoir Wine Team RC (Buckfast Commando) ,Rusty Sheriff's Badge MCC, 07 ET4 ,07 Piaggio X8
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1499
Location: Belfast N.Ireland
 
Molto Verboso
@xmanhoe avatar
Belvoir Wine Team RC (Buckfast Commando) ,Rusty Sheriff's Badge MCC, 07 ET4 ,07 Piaggio X8
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1499
Location: Belfast N.Ireland
UTC quote
OH DEAR
MMM !!! bad things would happen to those people here!!! in the night!!!
@windbreaker avatar
UTC

Banned
29,000 miles on my atlantic pastel green 2007 GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4332
Location: Utah Valley
 
Banned
@windbreaker avatar
29,000 miles on my atlantic pastel green 2007 GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4332
Location: Utah Valley
UTC quote
Bummer! I'm not immune to missing signs, but this case shows that it pays to actually look for them.

Here is what I would do:
Go to Kent and pick up the scooter. Try to negotiate right then and there with the following arguments:

a) Clamping for 125 is ursury. There is no way on earth they can prove that their cost plus a reasonable profit adds up to that number.

b) 250 for towing needs to be verified by you, depending on the distance and usual towing tariffs. If ursury, fight it as well

c) how much is 24 hour parking in London? I can't imagine it is as much as 40 pounds. So, why is it that much in the middle of nowhere? Ursury!

(Hint: In my country, ursury is illegal).

If they don't negotiate, pay the fee, and then fight it afterwards, in the equivalent to our small claims court, if you have any information that they are severely overcharging.

Finally, look for signs, everytime you park

Edit to add: I was obviously too late, so congrats for now on getting it back.
UTC

Hooked
Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 207
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
 
Hooked
Vespa GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 207
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
UTC quote
towing, clamping, etc.
A few years ago, I was in Picadilly Circus and watched the coppers cutting bike locks and chains and then THROWING the bikes into the back of a truck. Most of the bikes were junk, but several were high dollar. I can't imagine that they weren't damaged by this handling.

Of particular interest was how fast Kryptonite locks yielded to a cutter connected to a foot pump- maybe 10 seconds! They threw a cloth over the cutter so particles wouldn't put anybody's eye out.

Made me realize that there is probably no thief-proof lock or chain out there that can be carried reasonably on a bike or scooter.

Nevertheless, if you park in a no parking zone, well, you pays your money, and you takes your chances.
UTC

nothing at all
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9656
Location: westla
 
nothing at all
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9656
Location: westla
UTC quote
towing in california is a huge buisness, as greasy will agree.

we have regulated lots that are run by the police impound

we also have private companys that are hired by private property owners, pay parking lots and shady practices.

these private guys single out the exspensive cars/bikes first before they will tow an old vehicle.

600 bones is killable
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