Croydon Council has taken action to close down a car park on Dingwall Road.

A number of drivers had their cars clamped and towed in the car park because of unclear parking signs.

Two motorists who spoke to the Croydon Guardian had their cars clamped for parking in a permit bay.

They were then forced to pay £335 to get their cars back.

However, no one has planning permission to operate a car park from that site.

The council has served a notice on the building owners and other companies with an interest in the land Retail Parking Ltd, Allied Irish Bank and Park Right.

The notice comes into effect on September 17 meaning that within a month all parking operations on the land should stop.

The operators or owners can appeal the notice during this period and this will suspend the enforcement action until the appeal is heard.

A council spokesman said: “The site has been the subject of numerous public complaints about the way in which motorists are penalised for using the site incorrectly.

“Unlike in Scotland, current English law does not prohibit clamping and car removal operations on private land.

“However, the council wants to ensure that properly run commercial car parks in the town are not disadvantaged by unauthorised operations and that the image of the town does not suffer as a result.”

Previously the council has taken action against unauthorised parking on development sites around East Croydon.

Mike Fisher, leader of the council, said: “The kind of operation that is taking place behind AMP House is undermining the reputation of the town’s legitimate and responsible car parking operators and it’s certainly upsetting a lot of users who are facing extremely harsh penalties for not following the indistinct notices on this site.

“To operate legally, the car park in Dingwall Road needs planning permission.

"This has not been sought and therefore it is entirely proper that the council should be taking enforcement action.

“This was begun as soon as the council became aware of what was happening.

Councillor Fisher confirmed the council would be examining how best to press for a review of the current laws governing private clamping firms.

“I feel strongly that unsuspecting motorists are being unfairly targeted by firms who are taking advantage of the lack of controls in this area.”

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