The Council does not undertake widespread clamping and towing, but we will take removal action against what are termed as persistent offending vehicles. We will only clamp or tow away vehicles under the following circumstances:
- When a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) has been lawfully issued AND
- The vehicle is a persistent offender vehicle. This is a vehicle with three or more unpaid and unchallenged parking tickets, one of which has progressed to warrant stage OR the owner or keeper detail of the vehicle is not identifiable via the DVLA and all other legitimate means of enforcement have failed.
- During a special event such as the Bath Marathon, where traffic regulation orders have been amended or placed to facilitate the use of roads for such events. The areas concerned will have been well publicised and signage placed well in advance to warn motorists of road closures or prohibitions.
- The vehicle is parked on a No Waiting restriction causing severe congestion and its immediate removal is the last option in the interest of public safety and other road users.
- We Will Not Clamp or Tow away a vehicle that is clearly displaying a valid Blue Badge.
What to do if you get clamped
- You will need to pay the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and the Clamp Removal fee of £40.
- You will be issued with a Clamping Release Fee Receipt. If you wish to appeal the PCN and associated fees the procedure is detailed on the reverse of the form.
- Payment of the Clamping release fee can only be made in person at the Parking Shop at the Guildhall, Bath.
- We accept most debit or credit cards, cash and cheque as long as accompanied by a valid cheque card. Payment by card or cheque can only be made if the details on the cheque/card are the same as the person collecting the vehicle. (except for corporate or company owned vehicles)
- Do not try and remove the clamp yourself. This is a criminal offence and you may be liable to prosecution.
- You must move your vehicle within one hour after the clamp has been removed, or you could be subject to parking enforcement action again.
- Please do not attempt to pay the parking attendant at the roadside, as they are not allowed to accept payment.
- If you do not pay the fines promptly, we may remove your vehicle to our approved contractor’s premises. You will then have to pay a towing fee detailed below and storage fees if the vehicle is not reclaimed promptly.
What to do if your vehicle is removed
- The Council will notify the Police if your vehicle has been removed. You will have to contact the Councils approved removal contractor, Hintons Recovery at the following location:
- Hintons Recovery, Locksbrook Road, Bath
- You can contact them on their 24 hour telephone line: 01225 448025
- To secure the release of your vehicle you will need to go to the contractors premises in person. You will need to take personal identification, proof of ownership of the vehicle and means of payment.
- As well as the payment you will need:
- (a) Valid Certificate of Motor Insurance or V5 registration document and
- (b) Proof of Residence such as a utility bill issued within the last three calendar months.
Release fees
As well as the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), you will have to pay a towing fee and storage fees where applicable. The storage fees apply from midnight of the day the vehicle was removed, so it is in your interest to collect your vehicle as soon as possible. The following fees apply:
- Vehicle Removal Fee £105
- Vehicle Storage £12 per day
- Vehicle Disposal if not claimed £50
Collecting a vehicle that is not registered to you
- On behalf of the owner: A signed letter of authority will be necessary from the owner, giving you permission to collect the vehicle, in addition to proof of ownership. Identification will also be required from you.
- A courtesy/ lease vehicle: You will need to bring a copy of the courtesy /lease agreement or a fax from the company supplying the vehicle giving details of authorised drivers. Identification for the driver named in the agreement will also be required.
- A company vehicle: You will need to bring a letter or fax from the company that owns the vehicle giving details of the person authorised to drive it, a faxed copy of the registration certificate of insurance and identification for the driver.
- The Contractor has strict instructions not to release a vehicle until we have seen all the required documents and have received full payment for the penalty charge notice, removal charge and any storage fee incurred.
How to appeal:
- If you think your vehicle should not have been removed, you can challenge the process by following the instructions on the back of the PCN or documentation.
- Please quote the PCN number.
- We must receive your letter within 28 days of your vehicle being released.
- Once we have received your letter we will consider your case.
- If we reject your challenge we will tell you why and we will tell you about your right to appeal to an independent government body, The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (formerly NPAS)
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