COUNCILLORS have called for controls on "cowboy" clamping firms as City of York Council introduced new clamp and remove powers in York.

The chairman of the planning and transport advisory panel, Councillor Ken King, has sought assurance that the council will not employ any "cowboy" clamping firms on the city's streets.

He said: "I think we are all aware that some organisations that carry out clamping are not the most particular about how they operate, with some operating in a dubious fashion."

He is now calling for stricter regulations on the conduct of traffic control firms.

"In the past I have seen tiny notices put up warning of clamping, making it legal, then people literally hiding to try to catch people out who park for a couple of minutes."

At the council meeting discussing the introduction of the new laws, the councillor asked for reassurance that such firms would not be employed by the council.

"I wanted to make certain that as an authority we were going about it correctly and within the law, and not employing cowboys on our business," he said.

It was a call supported by planning and transport advisory panel member Coun Ceredig Jamieson-Ball. He said: "I would want members to retain a certain amount of control, just to make sure that we are using these powers responsibly.

"I would want any problems to be reported to members, to make sure the companies are not causing excessive damage to the cars or are not using unscrupulous tactics to get more motorists."

But both councillors said the plans were a step forward.

"The council needs to take action to recover the lost revenue from these offenders, and also to make sure they don't get away with persistently breaking the law," said Coun Jamieson-Ball.

Updated: 09:15 Friday, June 06, 2003