A SECOND World War veteran whose vehicle was “unfairly” wheelclamped has escaped a fine, thanks to the Teesdale Mercury.
Clamping agents working on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) were in Teesdale last week, catching motorists without road tax.
Six vehicles were clamped in Barnard Castle and one in Gainford.
The green Volkswagen Polo, which was parked on an un-adopted piece of land, belonged to a 95-year-old Gainford war veteran.
The clamping caused outrage in the community.
It is understood the man, who the Mercury has agreed not to name, served as a captain in the 12th Hussars during the Second World War and was involved in the clean up operation after the bloody battle of Monte Cassino in Italy in 1944.
He later served in Jerusalem and was called into action following the bombing of the British administrative headquarters for Palestine in which 91 people died. He saw out his army service in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).
It is understood that he has not driven for at least two years.
Revd Eileen Harrop, Gainford vicar, said: “I am not against wheel clamping, but in this instance it seems very unfair. The gentleman is elderly and is very confused.”
When the DVLA clamp an untaxed vehicle, motorists have to pay a release fee of £100 and if they cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed a surety fee of £160.
If the release fee is not paid in 24 hours then the DVLA will impound the vehicle. The release fee will then rise to £200 and there will be a storage charge of £21 per day. Again, a surety fee of £160 must be paid if the motorist cannot show that the vehicle has been taxed.
Ian Ross, landlord of the Cross Keys pub, in Gainford, had offered to pay for any charges himself.
He said: “Any charges will be paid for by the Cross Keys – taking their TV licences last week their car this week – [it’s a] despicable way to treat a war veteran.”
After the Mercury intervened, the DVLA agreed to remove the clamp and not to fine the veteran.
A DVLA spokesman said: “In view of the circumstances we have instructed our contractors to release the vehicle” .
The clamp was removed last Friday morning and DVLA has ensured that a SORN is in place to legally show the vehicle is off the road.
Mrs Harrop praised the DVLA, describing it as “great news” .
