Clampers - Legal???

CMF

Need some legal knowledge - am a lawyer myself but don't know the ins and outs of this situation. Was out for dinner last night with 2 others. We went to a restaurant in a Dublin hotel. The hotel carpark was across the road - signed for patrons use only. Fair enough. We parked, went inside and had a lovely meal. When we came back out, my car was clamped. Agh!!! :mad: Now, there was actually a sign saying you needed to pay and display but we genuinely did not see it. I would not take the risk of paying a huge sum just so I could get out of paying €2 to park there.

I had to pay €120 euro to get it removed - the normal fee of 85 plus 35 extra because it was after 10pm. I rang the hotel in question this morning, assuming they employ this clamping company to police their car park - but no. They lease the car park from Dublin City Council and it is the Council who employ the clampers.

What I want to know is:
a) can the council or their agents (the clampers) legally do this - considering the car park is leased by the hotel?
b) is it reasonable to impose a payment of €120?
c) is there any legislation dealing with this or are there any regulations?

Would appreciate any knowledge on this issue at all!!:rolleyes:

Thirdfox

Try asking this as a hypothetical question... thread might get locked otherwise.

hullaballoo

*Bam.*