Commentary on Sections Specific provision for Wales and for London Section 79: Immobilisation of vehicle where penalty charge is payable
209.Immobilisation of vehicles using wheel clamps is an additional measure used by some enforcement authorities to deter illegal parking. Section 79 provides for regulations to be made for or in connection with the immobilisation of unlawfully parked vehicles, and with the release of such vehicles on payment of the penalty charge imposed for it being unlawfully parked, a release fee, and any unpaid penalty charges previously incurred by the vehicle. The regulations may provide for a notice to be fixed to the vehicle warning that it has been immobilised, and explaining both how to secure its release and that the notice should not be interfered with except under the authority of the owner or person in charge of the vehicle or the enforcement authority. Regulations may also provide that a vehicle may only be released under the direction of a person authorised by the enforcement authority and that any unauthorised attempt to release a vehicle shall be an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (i.e. a maximum of £1,000).
210.The regulations must provide that a vehicle in a parking place shall not be immobilised for a failure to pay a parking charge, to display a ticket showing that a charge has been paid or to remove a vehicle at the end of a period of paid for parking until 15 minutes after the issue of a penalty charge notice. The regulations shall also provide that a vehicle must not be immobilised if it displays a disabled person’s badge (a “blue badge”). However, the regulations will make it an offence, punishable by a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, if a person inappropriately uses a blue badge and as a result the vehicle in question is not immobilised.