Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 15, line 20, after “practicable” to insert “within two hours”.

This issue was raised by several Senators. When the money is paid, when can someone expect to have their car released? In one shopping centre it was clarified that, on average, it takes two hours for that to happen because the clampers might serve a number of areas. Not knowing when their car will be released seems to make people even more annoyed, and as other Senators said it is a traumatic experience. In some cases the clampers say they hope they will be back in two hours. Would it help the person who is annoyed to know their car might be released in two hours? Anything else might be unreasonable.
Can those in the clamping business get back to everybody quickly? I appreciate what Senator Brennan said but on another campus the fine is €80 for 24 hours or more, with a €30 release fee after 7 p.m. That happens on campuses. Presumably the fear is that they would be used as free car parks, which is unfortunate. On this particular issue, does the two-hour waiting period help? Under a code of conduct the person being clamped will have to be informed when it is reasonable to expect the clamp to be released after they have paid. We would all like that to happen immediately, but I came across a case where the waiting time was two hours. If they could do better they would, but that was the normal waiting time.