My car was clamped on public land. Is this legal?

What the Law Says

The Road Traffic Act 1988 sets out who may lawfully clamp vehicles on public roads and land. Private companies or individuals have no legal power to clamp on public land — only certain public authorities may do so, and only under strict conditions.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, clamping on public roads and land is tightly controlled. The Act makes it clear that only authorised bodies — such as the police, DVLA, or local authorities exercising specific powers — may immobilise vehicles.

Private landowners may clamp vehicles on their own land (subject to other rules), but this does not extend to public highways or land owned or managed by the public sector.

Statutory Text

s. 143:

— Road Traffic Act 1988, s. 143 — c. 52

Sources