Herts Police joined forces with Trading Standards last year to encourage land owners to only employ clamping firms with 'fair' charges.

A string of motorists in Hemel Hempstead had hit out at the cash-only fines they were forced to pay, claiming they were excessive and warning signs were too small.

But no action has been taken and Martin Wood, from Leverstock Green, was forced to pay £265 after parking in Apsley Lock on Saturday (April 19).

The 22 year-old had parked up at around midnight to collect his girlfriend from the nearby Paper Mill pub.

Mum Jacqueline Wood said: "He had no idea that clamping was in operation, it was a parking bay with no obvious signs to say so.

"He is a full-time student and simply can't afford to hand over nearly £300. It's completely out of proportion."

Herts Police had hoped Dacorum would become a British Parking Association (BPA) area, where clampers abide by BPA regulations.

The association aims to raise standards in the parking industry, but their rules are not legally enforceable and clampers sign up to them voluntarily.

It works to ensure motorists are 'not penalised through excessive charges, low quality service or unnecessary retention of their vehicles'.

The association also encourages its members to accept credit and debit card payments by phone and only accepting cash as a last resort.

Dozens of commuters were fined for parking on private land opposite Apsley train station in the weeks before Christmas, leaving them almost £300 worse-off for the festive season.

In February, a dozen residents were fined £120 after a dawn raid on an Apsley Lock car park.

Have you been a victim of costly clamping charges in Dacorum? Click here.