Full support for ban on clamping in Mayo county town

A motion calling for the introduction of a bylaw to outlaw clamping in the Castlebar Municipal District has received the full support of local councillors.

In bringing his motion before the monthly meeting of the local authority, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne highlighted emails outlining the circumstances where people have been clamped at a location in Castlebar.

In one case a woman ran in for a prescription for a child, emailed in as the pharmacy was soon closing, and when she came out her vehicle had been clamped.

In another, a carer who was driving a disabled person popped in. When they came out the vehicle had been clamped, with the person they were caring for sitting in the car.

Another woman went to pay for parking but the electronic screen on the pay machine said it was faulty and she couldn't pay. She took a photo, but also found her vehicle clamped.

Many places have clamping, noted Councillor Kilcoyne, but you would be given 10 to 15 minutes.

There is no leeway with clamping, said Councillor Blackie Gavin, and devices won't be removed until paid for.