By Paul Donovan
Motorists fork out a total of £55 million to cowboy clampers each year, the Home Office has revealed.
The news supports concerns that rogue operators are fleecing millions of pounds from off-guard drivers.
Ministers are looking at ways in which they can take steps to make wheel-clamping on private land illegal from next year.
But some critics, such as the British Parking Association (BPA), have rounded on the government for establishing a "charter for the selfish parker", which allows people to park wherever they want to.
The figures highlight another potential cost for the beleaguered motorist, who is currently having to pay record high petrol costs, a situation which makes it all the more important to shop around for the best deal on car insurance.
Home Office minister, Lynne Featherstone said: "For too long motorists have fallen victim to extortion and abuse from rogue clamping companies.
"I have been outraged by cases of drivers being frog-marched to cash points late at night or left stranded by rogue operators who have towed their vehicle away. Clearly this is unacceptable.
"By criminalising clamping and towing on private land this government is committing rogue clampers to history and putting an end to intimidation and excessive charges once and for all."
Evidence from England and Wales showed around 500,000 clampings take place annually on private land with an average release fee of £112 and 98 per cent of fees being paid as drivers want to get their vehicles back, the Home Office said.
