CAR clampers have come under fire from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau following complaints about the “threatening” behaviour of clampers in Rayleigh.

The Rayleigh and Rochford branch of the bureau, which offers free advice to people on a range of issues, has issued a press release criticising LBS Enforcement of London Road, Leigh, which has been operating in Rayleigh for the past six months.

The bureau said numerous clients have reported being treated in a “threatening manner” by LBS employees after having their vehicles clamped and also being made to pay “extortionate” release fees.

The clamping company strongly refuted all the claims.

Sue Murray, district manager of the CAB, said: “While we recognise clampers have their place, we are concerned by the strategies and behaviour of LBS employees and the distress they are causing people.”

But the company says its staff all behave in a professional manner.

Mr Stone, who would not give his first name, said: “We do not use threatening or intimidating behaviour and none of the staff are aggressive. The threatening behaviour comes from the people being clamped. If any of our employees did behave like that I can assure you they would not be working for our company.”

He said the fees for their clamping is £146, which includes VAT, but the fee for the tow truck was a further £245 plus VAT.

The bureau urged people to join in an online Government consultation on the licensing of wheelclampers. Go to Licensing of Vehicle Immobilisation Businesses at www.homeoffice.

gov.uk/about-us/haveyoursay/current consultations