CLAMPERS have been kicked off a car park after the landowner heard about the exorbitant fees being charged to release motorists.

The Echo has reported on a number of drivers forced to pay hundreds of pounds in fees after their vehicles were clamped behind Barclays Bank, in London Road, Benfleet.

Leigh-based company LBS Enforcement was given permission to operate in the area by JD Cycles, which rents one of the shops in the parade in front of the car park.

The cycle shop wanted people to stop parking in front of the fire exit it shares with Barclays Bank.

But it is not clear whether, as a tenant, it had the authority to instruct LBS.

After hearing of the extortionate fee charged to one motorist, Caroline Lucas, Bradleys Countrywide, which manages the car park and service area on behalf of the landowner, stepped in.

Lee Chambers, from Bradleys Countrywide, said: “We were concerned about the effect on trade of the businesses in that parade. I have contacted the landlord and the matter has now been resolved.”

The owner of the parade of shops has now asked the management at JD Cycles to tell the clamper to stop and the sign warning motorists against parking there has been taken down.

Jason White, from JD Cycles, said: “LBS has stopped operating there, so hopefully there won’t be any more problems.”

Mrs Lucas had only part of her vehicle in the clamping zone and had to fork out £440 to get her car back.

LBS were also ditched earlier this month by landowners at Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, who described them as a menace.

Her husband Barrie Lucas, of Goldfinch Lane, Thundersley, said: “I’m delighted they have been stopped from operating there and catching other motorists unfairly.”

LBS declined to comment.