HC Deb 24 November 1986 vol 106 cc51-2W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan police officers were engaged in wheel clamp duties in October 1985 and October 1986.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

In both October 1985 and October 1986, four police constables were engaged in wheel clamp duties. In addition, one police sergeant and six police constables were engaged in duties at car pounds, and 60 per cent. of their time was occupied on wheel clamping matters. One inspector and two police sergeants were engaged on supervisory duties involving wheel clamping and vehicle removals. The physical work of clamping and unclamping is carried out by civilian employees.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of wheel clamps held by the Metropolitan police in October 1985 and October 1986.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The number of wheel clamps held by the Metropolitan police in both October 1985 and October 1986 was 300.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many wheel clamp prosecutions were made by the Metropolitan police in 1985 and in 1986 to date.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The fixing of a wheel clamp to a vehicle does not itself give rise to a prosecution but the offence which led to the fixing of the clamp is the subject of a fixed penalty notice. During 1985 34,101 vehicles were wheel-clamped and up to 14 November 1986 27,841 vehicles had been wheel-clamped this year.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of operating the Metropolitan police wheel clamp unit in 1985–86.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The cost of operating the Metropolitan police wheel clamp unit from 1 April 1985 to 31 March 1986 was £966,685.00.