Galway Clamping Company

KingOfBreifne

Galway folks ... You probably already know about the awful folks at GALWAY CLAMPING COMPANY, but this is just another "Beware" message for you to consider. Do your best not to park your vehicle anywhere they have jurisdiction, because they are not interested in doing business with any measure of justice. They will look for any excuse to clamp you, and then refuse to refund your money in their "appeals" process (which is a complete joke) when you prove there was no reason to clamp you in the first place.

Here's a photo of the parking pass we paid for on the 24th of January. Note that we secured the pass at 4:21 p.m., and it was valid until 9:43 p.m. Then note the citation from the crooks at GCC at 5:23 p.m. The strong wind on that afternoon evidently blew the ticket off our dashboard when I was closing the door, and the pass fell onto the floor. We just assumed that they'd remove the clamp with no penalty once we showed the clamping employee the valid pass. This did not happen, and we had to pay the 80 Euro clamp-removal fee, but the guy told us we could appeal (at which point we literally laughed out-loud because we rightly guessed that this <snip> company would have no intention of giving back our money once they had it in their dirty hands).

Turns out we were 100% correct. We phoned and emailed the company to appeal the following business day, and we were shrugged off for approximately two weeks. <snip>

We told the secretary (whom we were very kind with from start to finish) that we weren't nearly as upset that the citation had to be issued as we are with the fact that we showed evidence (in the form of our valid parking pass) that we had paid for the parking, only to be refused a refund after the complete joke of the "appeals" process (which consisted of bugging some poor woman Mr. Gaffney has hired to deal with all the unhappy people).

<snip>

tin79

You didn't display the permit though. Parking is on condition of having a permit displayed, not just having a permit.


I do sympathise with you but it seems to have been your fault this time. An expensive lesson but you should always check the permit is in situ after you close the door.

KingOfBreifne

As I said, I didn't get angry with initially paying the fee, but this is what an APPEALS process is supposed to be about. If proving that an ACT OF GOD (strong wind ... it happens occasionally in Galway) caused the ticket you paid for to not be displayed isn't grounds for a refund, then I can't think of a single instance in which an appeal would be granted by these people.

Why on earth would someone pay the money to park, and then knowingly not display the pass?? Negligence to display is one thing ... natural causes beyond one's control is something else altogether, and any entity not in business to make money unethically would concur.

There is no appeals process with Galway Clamping Company ... they just want to pretend as if there is.

Paulw

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Why on earth would someone pay the money to park, and then knowingly not display the pass??

But, without the ticket being displayed at the time, how do they know you paid for parking? After the fact, you could have received the ticket from someone else who had displayed their ticket.

The proof that you paid for parking is not the possession of a ticket after the event, but having the ticket on display while the vehicle is parked.

I have had instances where my ticket blew down when I closed the car door, but I always do a visible check before walking away, and if I can't see the ticket, I go back in to the car and display it again. It doesn't take long and saves all the hassle of dealing with clampers and moaning about it later.

KingOfBreifne

The fact that <company owner> will not field a SINGLE phone call or entertain a SINGLE visit from an unhappy appealer should tell us all we need to know.

KingOfBreifne

Paulw wrote: »

But, without the ticket being displayed at the time, how do they know you paid for parking? After the fact, you could have received the ticket from someone else who had displayed their ticket.

The proof that you paid for parking is not the possession of a ticket after the event, but having the ticket on display while the vehicle is parked.

I have had instances where my ticket blew down when I closed the car door, but I always do a visible check before walking away, and if I can't see the ticket, I go back in to the car and display it again. It doesn't take long and saves all the hassle of dealing with clampers and moaning about it later.

Certainly, lesson learned. However, given the fact that the times are stamped on the parking pass IS, in fact, proof that the parking was paid for.

KingOfBreifne

I suppose I would get over my anger more quickly if <company owner> would take even five minutes to speak with us on the phone ... but he will not ... <snip>

flazio

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Certainly, lesson learned. However, given the fact that the times are stamped on the parking pass IS, in fact, proof that the parking was paid for.

But how can you prove that it was for your car and you didn't simply pick it up out of a bin?

keithclancy

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Certainly, lesson learned. However, given the fact that the times are stamped on the parking pass IS, in fact, proof that the parking was paid for.

Not really, it could be anyone's ticket.

KingOfBreifne

flazio wrote: »

But how can you prove that it was for your car and you didn't simply pick it up out of a bin?

Well, the guy who removed the stinking clamp from our car was right there when we picked the parking pass up off the floor. We showed it to him, and he concurred that we were parked legally, and that we had a good case for an appeal.

KingOfBreifne

Long story short, there is a reason that there are always parking spots available on The Long Walk, which is one of the most convenient places in the city to park. Galway Clamping Company is that reason. Everyone knows it's really the only place you're guaranteed to get clamped if you don't have a valid ticket, and most people don't want to pay to park legally (because you can usually get away with it most other places). We've never been timid about parking on The Long Walk since we always pay ... but we won't be parking there any more for fear that something else ridiculous will happen, and we'll be clamped by these shysters again.

Anan1

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Well, the guy who removed the stinking clamp from our car was right there when we picked the parking pass up off the floor. We showed it to him, and he concurred that we were parked legally, and that we had a good case for an appeal.

Sure you could easily have put the ticket there afterwards for all they know. Bottom line is you failed to display the ticket - there are no grounds for appeal. I think you need to take responsibility for, and learn from, your mistake.

KingOfBreifne

Anan1 wrote: »

Sure you could easily have put the ticket there afterwards for all they know. Bottom line is you failed to display the ticket - there are no grounds for appeal. I think you need to take responsibility for, and learn from, your mistake.

I've taken responsibility inasmuch as I've paid this company 80 Euro which they did not rightly deserve.

This is more of a public service announcement for anyone who parks their vehicle in Galway.

I knew the moment we handed their driver the 80 Euros that we'd never see it again (despite his assurances that they accepted appeals). This company's reputation precedes them.

KingOfBreifne

<snip>

Anan1

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

I've taken responsibility inasmuch as I've paid this company 80 Euro which they did not rightly deserve.

You're still trying to claim that your mistake is somehow anyone elses fault but your own. You didn't display the ticket, that's what cost you the €80.

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

This is more of a public service announcement for anyone who parks their vehicle in Galway.

Sure anyone who can read a sign knows that no valid ticket on display = a clamp. You're accusing people of being crooks rather than own up to your own mistake.

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

I knew the moment we handed their driver the 80 Euros that we'd never see it again (despite his assurances that they accepted appeals). This company's reputation precedes them.

Appeals are for when people are wrongfully clamped. You didn't display a valid ticket. I'm at a complete loss to understand why you'd think you have the right to successfully appeal?

KingOfBreifne

Anan1 wrote: »

You're still trying to claim that your mistake is somehow anyone elses fault but your own. You didn't display the ticket, that's what cost you the €80.

Sure anyone who can read a sign knows that no valid ticket on display = a clamp. You're accusing people of being crooks rather than own up to your own mistake.

You're a trip, Anan.

And your reading comprehension isn't swell.

Yes, part of what I'm doing here is venting. However, you completely ignore (or perhaps just do not comprehend) my other reasons for this thread.

1) To challenge the <snip> owner of this company to accept requests to speak with him as people challenge his policies and "appeals" process.

2) To warn what seems to be a majority of Galway motorists who do not care what a parking sign says.

Paulw

Anan1 wrote: »

Sure anyone who can read a sign knows that no valid ticket on display = a clamp. You're accusing people of being crooks rather than own up to your own mistake.

Come on now, that is just not true. It is NOT his fault ... the wind blew it.

Blame God, or whatever force you want. How can the OP be responsible for the wind blowing the ticket down?? :rolleyes:

Valetta

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Long story short, there is a reason that there are always parking spots available on The Long Walk, which is one of the most convenient places in the city to park. Galway Clamping Company is that reason. Everyone knows it's really the only place you're guaranteed to get clamped if you don't have a valid ticket, and most people don't want to pay to park legally (because you can usually get away with it most other places). We've never been timid about parking on The Long Walk since we always pay ... but we won't be parking there any more for fear that something else ridiculous will happen, and we'll be clamped by these shysters again.

This shows that the system is working as it was designed to do.

I'm assumimg it is the Galway City Council who engaged the clamping company. They obviously saw a need to regulate the parking and it appears to have served it's purpose.

It is a very simple thing to ensure the ticket is displayed after closing the car door. If you had done that everyone would be happy.

Castigating a businessman for running his business as it was supposed to be run is not nice, and bordering on slander.

Anan1

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

You're a trip, Anan.

And your reading comprehension isn't swell.

Yes, part of what I'm doing here is venting. However, you completely ignore (or perhaps just do not comprehend) my other reasons for this thread.

1) To challenge the <snip> owner of this company to accept requests to speak with him as people challenge his policies and "appeals" process.

2) To warn what seems to be a majority of Galway motorists who do not care what a parking sign says.

Honestly, why would he speak to you? You didn't display a ticket, you got a clamp, you've no grounds for appeal and you're taking no responsibility whatsoever for any of this. His job is to run the company, not to discuss perceived wrongs with irate motorists.

KingOfBreifne

Valetta wrote: »

Castigating a businessman for running his business as it was supposed to be run is not nice, and bordering on slander.

Please. Slander. How overly dramatic.

A businessman who refuses to address the concerns is not running a business the way it ought to be run.

Had he hopped on the phone and spoken with us for even five minutes, I could have aired my grievances with him that way.

He didn't give me that option.

KingOfBreifne

Anan1 wrote: »

Honestly, why would he speak to you? You didn't display a ticket, you got a clamp, you've no grounds for appeal and you're taking no responsibility whatsoever for any of this. His job is to run the company, not to discuss perceived wrongs with irate motorists.

I suppose that's the Irish standard for running a business.

How flimsy.

In countries that have a clue about customer service, you are given the option of speaking with someone "higher up" if you're not satisfied with the answers you've been given (or lack thereof).

JohnFalstaff

I would think that this is a good example of where the fine should have been paid back on appeal. The clamper even saw the ticket being picked up off the car floor and agreed there was a case for an appeal.

It's the 'spirit of the law vs letter of the law' debate and I would hope common sense would prevail in a case where it was clear that the parking had been paid for.

And people wonder why clampers have a bad rep in Galway!

Valetta

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Please. Slander. How overly dramatic.

A businessman who refuses to address the concerns is not running a business the way it ought to be run.

Had he hopped on the phone and spoken with us for even five minutes, I could have aired my grievances with him that way.

He didn't give me that option.

Would you expect Michael O'Leary to field phone calls from every passenger that was refused boarding on one of his flights?

Did you write to Mr. Gaffney?

KingOfBreifne

Valetta wrote: »

Would you expect Michael O'Leary to field phone calls from every passenger that was refused boarding on one of his flights?

Did you write to Mr. Gaffney?

With respect, Galway Clamping Company isn't exactly Ryan Air.

But yes, I'd expect a low-level secretary to be able to pass me on to a supervisor or customer service manager to address my concerns.

And yes, we wrote to Mr. Gaffney.

tin79

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

This thread is also an exposé of Mr. Gaffney. What kind of man makes a female secretary handle all the flack and abuse while refusing himself to speak with people during this so-called "appeals process"? (note: we did not give her any abuse ... we were quite kind with her during every phone conversation)

If he thinks he's running a legitimate business, then let him act like it.

Does it matter that she is female? Should only men handle flack?
Is mr Gaffney the CEO? I would imagine a lot of company heads don't deal with the public. They pay someone to do that for them.

KingOfBreifne

tin79 wrote: »

Does it matter that she is female? Should only men handle flack?
Is mr Gaffney the CEO? I would imagine a lot of company heads don't deal with the public. They pay someone to do that for them.

I was waiting for someone to jump on the female aspect. :roll eyes:

Perhaps I'm a bit old fashioned, but I (as a man) would rather take a bit of flack than passing it off to a woman. I think the move away from that is a real shame, and shows a real lack of respect for "the fairer sex."

Gaffney is the owner, but it's not as if this is a large business. It's clear that he just doesn't want to deal with people who are unhappy about being clamped AND denied a legitimate appeal despite paying for their parking.

runawaybishop

JohnFalstaff wrote: »

I would think that this is a good example of where the fine should have been paid back on appeal. The clamper even saw the ticket being picked up off the car floor and agreed there was a case for an appeal.

It's the 'spirit of the law vs letter of the law' debate and I would hope common sense would prevail in a case where it was clear that the parking had been paid for.

And people wonder why clampers have a bad rep in Galway!

Absolutely not. The OP did not display a ticket. They deserved to be clamped. Appealing this should rightly result in the clamp being confirmed as legitimate.

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

I was waiting for someone to jump on the female aspect. :roll eyes:

Perhaps I'm a bit old fashioned,

You are sexist.

KingOfBreifne

runawaybishop wrote: »

You are sexist.

And you're ignorant for thinking a man who values chivalry is "sexist."

Congratulations.

KingOfBreifne

tin79 wrote: »

Any less dramatic than how you have described the company and Mr Gaffney? Few of your own words below:



Some fairly harsh stuff there IMO

Fair point, fair point.

Anger venting ... calmed down now.

At this point, I'm more alarmed at someone who thinks a man who regards the female sex as "the fairer sex" is sexist. My Lord, the ignorance.

runawaybishop

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

And you're ignorant for thinking a man who values chivalry is "sexist."

Congratulations.

Chivalry is by its very definition sexist.

You should have ensured your ticket was displayed. You have only yourself to blame.

KingOfBreifne

runawaybishop wrote: »

Chivalry is by its very definition sexist.

Chivalry is by YOUR definition sexist.

Let's be clear about that.

metroburgers

Best thread today! :pac: *Grabs popcorn

tin79

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

I was waiting for someone to jump on the female aspect. :roll eyes:

Perhaps I'm a bit old fashioned, but I (as a man) would rather take a bit of flack than passing it off to a woman. I think the move away from that is a real shame, and shows a real lack of respect for "the fairer sex."

Gaffney is the owner, but it's not as if this is a large business. It's clear that he just doesn't want to deal with people who are unhappy about being clamped AND denied a legitimate appeal despite paying for their parking.

I wouldn't want to deal with them either myself. That's what employees are for.
Your "fairer sex" stuff is a bit archaic too IMO. Work is work, I don't judge my colleagues based on gender. We work in equality. The fact that the secretary was female is irrelevant for me.

KingOfBreifne

tin79 wrote: »

Your "fairer sex" stuff is a bit archaic too IMO. Work is work, I don't judge my colleagues based on gender. We work in equality. The fact that the secretary was female is irrelevant for me.

It's archaic in a world that objectifies women.

I'll stick with the chivalry.

KingOfBreifne

Anyway, it's been interesting, folks.

Thanks for the input, one and all.

Hopefully a few folks have been adequately tipped-off to the potential perils of parking on The Long Walk.

runawaybishop

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

It's archaic in a world that objectifies women.

I'll stick with the chivalry.

*Irony detector explodes*

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

Hopefully a few folks have been adequately tipped-off to the potential perils of parking on The Long Walk.

I think you've tipped them off to the perils of not displaying a ticket is all.

tin79

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

It's archaic in a world that objectifies women.

I'll stick with the chivalry.

The only point I would make though is that you are assuming this person cannot handle stress/flack or do her job just because she is a woman. I would suggest that infers she is less capable than a man in the equivalent position and that, in some sense, she is inferior.

Now respect is a different issue. I would hold a door open for a woman with shopping bags, I would stop to allow a mother with a pram to cross, I would offer to get something off a high shelf for a short lady but not because she is a woman. I would do the same for a man, father, short bloke.

Assuming someone cant do their job just because they are female is not equality IMO.

And look, I do sympathise with the clamping. I would see private clamping abolished myself. But still you didn't display the permit and permit display is required. If the company refunded the cost to everyone they would be out of business. Everyone has an excuse.

Red Kev

Sorry to say it KingofBreifne but you've one person to blame and that's yourself.

It's annoying alright, but as a number of people have said it's your fault for not ensuring that the ticket was on the dashboard clearly visible when you left the car there. Blaming it on an act of God is nonsense. The clamper told you to appeal it so you'd leave him alone, he just fobbed you off and from reading your posts I can't blame him.

KingOfBreifne wrote: »

The fact that Gaffney will not field a SINGLE phone call or entertain a SINGLE visit from an unhappy appealer should tell us all we need to know about this guy.

I've problems with my Microsoft Office, I don't expect Bill Gates to deal with it personally. Gaffney has people to deal with complaints so he can get on with running his business or businesses. That's the way of the world. What size of company with how many employees do you need to be before you as CEO aren't obliged to deal with each and every customer complaint. You complain that you should have spoken to a supervisor. I'd bet (if there is one) s/he would have told you the exact same as the secretary.

Just accept it as your fault and try to learn from the mistake/mishap of the ticket blowing away.

FWIW I've a clear piece of plastic sellotaped to the windscreen like a small pocket. I stick the tickets into that to stop them slipping down the dashboard to where they won't be visible. takes 3 minutes to set up, will probably save you more grief in the future.

biko

I have made some changes to posts. Boards will not be a platform for potential slander.
I understand your frustration but must agree with other posters, it boils down to is that a ticket was not displayed at the time, whether it was paid or not is unfortunately secondary. Simply checking ticket after closing the door would have saved you all this trouble. It's a moments work and hopefully everyone that reads this thread have now seen how important it is.

OP has vented and got feedback, I think that's all we'll get from this thread.