Bob
7th April 2005, 00:15
A mobile mechanic whose motorbike was wheel-clamped while he worked on a customer’s vehicle removed the yellow clump of metal himself.
Steven Henderson, a self-employed mechanic had parked in Market Square, Stevenage, and gone into the bank to pay in a cheque whilst taking a break. The customer's car he was working on was nearby, on blocks and with the bonnet open. While he was away his bike was clamped and the clampers demanded £120 for its removal.
"It is daylight robbery," said Mr Henderson who owns Grease Monkeze "I explained that I was self-employed and that I could barely afford to pay my own wages let alone this extortionate release fee, but they were not willing to reduce the amount at all.”
Henderson then gave the clamper one last chance to remove the clamp before calling a friend who owned an angle-grinder. Henderson then cut away the clamp himself.
A spokesman for KAR Management Ltd said it was clear the motorcycle should not have been parked where it was. He said: "The area is covered in yellow chevrons and 'no parking' is plastered all over the walls.” He said the matter would be reported to the police.
Steven Henderson, a self-employed mechanic had parked in Market Square, Stevenage, and gone into the bank to pay in a cheque whilst taking a break. The customer's car he was working on was nearby, on blocks and with the bonnet open. While he was away his bike was clamped and the clampers demanded £120 for its removal.
"It is daylight robbery," said Mr Henderson who owns Grease Monkeze "I explained that I was self-employed and that I could barely afford to pay my own wages let alone this extortionate release fee, but they were not willing to reduce the amount at all.”
Henderson then gave the clamper one last chance to remove the clamp before calling a friend who owned an angle-grinder. Henderson then cut away the clamp himself.
A spokesman for KAR Management Ltd said it was clear the motorcycle should not have been parked where it was. He said: "The area is covered in yellow chevrons and 'no parking' is plastered all over the walls.” He said the matter would be reported to the police.