Wheel clamping bicycles by security

[downfader]

It seems that my workplace has begun this practice now. Instead of actually increasing cycle parking they've ignored pleas for stands and have instead instructed security to go around all the railings and fences and put warning signs up. To the effect of "This bike is illegally parked, if found here again it will be D-Locked in place and a fee of £35 for removal will be required" (paraphrased)

So my workmate gets out after a shift and finds one of these signs on his bike. He hasnt the money to remove a clamp, and his job may be going soon too so money is a real issue anyway. No choice the next day but to chain it up in the same spot (no spaces left, the usual 2-bikes-to-a-stand situation). When he returned, sure enough there is an extra lock on his bike.

Well he wasnt having this. Our workplace is already screwing people out of money and jobs so he phones his mate. Together they used a 4 foot cropper to cut the lock off and he's kept both the lock and the sign as a souvineer. (sp? )

I found that quite funny tbh. The lock cost them £25 so they would have made £10 profit off him had he paid up.

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

Excellent! I think you should get in touch with the local paper along the lines of employer discourages cycling!

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Terrible… BUT Beware – IMHO breaking their lock would count as criminal damage - if you are caught.

I had an ex-policeman friend at uni who was fed up at getting a clamp (from a private contractor) on his car – he was sure he’d parked in accordance with the campus rules etc – he use a big bolt cutter to remove it. Then made sure the broken clamp would never be found – no evidence as he explained! He also stressed this only works with private clampers and NOT police/council ones.

So, don’t get caught on cctv doing that, and don’t leave the broken lock lying around,

 

[downfader]

Terrible… BUT Beware – IMHO breaking their lock would count as criminal damage - if you are caught.

I had an ex-policeman friend at uni who was fed up at getting a clamp (from a private contractor) on his car – he was sure he’d parked in accordance with the campus rules etc – he use a big bolt cutter to remove it. Then made sure the broken clamp would never be found – no evidence as he explained! He also stressed this only works with private clampers and NOT police/council ones.

So, don’t get caught on cctv doing that, and don’t leave the broken lock lying around,

It is indeed criminal damage and one of the fellas at work reminded him of it. Lock and sign are "no where to be seen"

 

[ufkacbln]

There was a wonderful response a few years ago after a similar incident - the guy opened up a site called What should I put on the fence?

Now a little out of date, but still a source of ideas.

 

[purplepolly]

I can't believe any employer would be so petty. Although maybe we're doing them an injustice and they're going to be using the fines in order to buy more stands.

 

[downfader]

I can't believe any employer would be so petty. Although maybe we're doing them an injustice and they're going to be using the fines in order to buy more stands.

I would doubt it. Slowly the Trust have been pushing the charities that have helped it over the years out, and have been promoting their own "charity" in its place.

The Cheif Exec has been on record as saying he'd like more control over the money raised. Fair enough in some respects, but dont bite the hand that has fed you for the last 20 years.

I think this may be in response to the complaints I've heard from people about the cycles all over the place (surely a bl**dy good thing), yet nobody complains about the cars parking on box junctions, in front of fire exits () and over pedestrian crossings (again ).

The cynic in me says "easy target" as these bikes certainly arent in the way.

 

[purplepolly]

Inobody complains about the cars parking on box junctions, in front of fire exits () and over pedestrian crossings (again ).

.

Maybe someone should start. And if the fire exits are blocked then the fire brigade will be interested.

 

[nigelnorris]

Last time I saw the stats there had never, not once, been a successful prosecution against someone for removing a wheel clamp - not for any reason, criminal damage or anything else. Here's hoping that's still the case.

 

[downfader]

Maybe someone should start. And if the fire exits are blocked then the fire brigade will be interested.

Well considering I got it in the neck last week for someone else pinning my fire door open (its a pot wash area, 36*C and 100% humidity on warm days) from the H&S officer it would be nice if someone did!

Its a £1000 fine apparently from pinning a fire door open. I wonder what it is for blocking an exit?

BTW Cunobelin thats a great website!

 

[purplepolly]

BTW Cunobelin thats a great website!

Wife worries about fence obsession 08-May-2001
It's the principle of the thing I told her, but she doesn't understand. I am not allowed to discuss what I want to put on the fence any more. She thinks it's an unhealthy obsession and is no longer prepared to have anything to do with it.
I was a bit sad about this, as I see discussing and looking for things to put on the fence an ideal activity for the family.

 

[Tynan]

never mind criminal damage, I'd be more interested in the legality of them locking up your bike and demanding money to release it

 

[notsolazy]

never mind criminal damage, I'd be more interested in the legality of them locking up your bike and demanding money to release it

Not strictly for bikes, but some interesting points:
they must have an SIA license clearly visible at all times when on duty
There must be signs stating clamping in operation
etc etc
www.adviceguide.org.uk/t_wheel-clamping_on_private_land.pdf

All in a little PDF from the CAB. hope this can help

 

[ufkacbln]

Fortunately my Trust is cycle orientated with good lockers and facilities.... you could try going through the NHS Cycle Network - Spokes

They may be of help.

Funnily enough we have a brand new hospital with a lovely North Entrance, wide pavement, and tactile markings for the disabled...

Its a shame the local taxi drivers are too thick to understand the concept of not parking on it!

 

[thomas]

Cut the lock and throw it through security's window. Completely wrong.

Actually...do security have cars and things? Get some D locks on their wheels