You couldn't make it up!

[spokey]

http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.j ... lamp08.xml

Exam board devises course to produce ethical, empathising wheel clampers
By John Clare, Education Editor
(Filed: 08/12/2004)

A vocational qualification in wheel clamping, which is soon to be compulsory for anyone "seeking a career in vehicle immoblisation", has been devised by Edexcel, one of the largest exam boards.

Known as the "Level 2 BTEC Award in Vehicle Immobilisation", it will require trainees to undergo 30 hours of "guided learning" at a cost of about £500.


Another trainee is initiated into the world of clamping
Fifteen hours will be devoted to the techniques of wheel clamping and its associated paperwork, and 15 hours to "communications and conflict management", including the "use of empathy to recognise the customer's view of the situation".

Learners will also be given opportunities to "develop an understanding of spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural issues and an awareness of environmental issues, health and safety considerations, and European developments".

Trainees will start by studying the "history of vehicle immobilisation" and "identifying why clamping is used". They will also learn "where to find vehicle registration marks (VRMs)".

Having learnt "where and when not to clamp", they will be given "an insight into the equipment and how to affix it". Finally, they will learn about the "standards of individual behaviour for vehicle immobilisers", the "importance of uniform and how to wear it", and "how to start and end a shift".

"This is an important but difficult unit to deliver," tutors are told. They are urged to use visiting guest speakers and video recordings.

Having obtained at least 70 per cent in unit one, trainees will move on to unit two, which "requires vehicle immobilisers to know how to minimise conflict in aggressive situations".

Although "some physical contact with customers in certain situations" is to be expected, vehicle immobilisers will not have to "acquire specific knowledge of physical intervention techniques".

Rather, they will be encouraged to "overcome communication blocks by using active listening techniques" and learn how to calm aggression by employing a "suitable tone of voice and body language".

Tutors are advised to use role play: such as an angry or distressed driver returning as the vehicle is clamped and "intervention by third parties outside licensed premises".

Other problems to consider are children in the vehicle as it is clamped, and drivers who "obstruct the operator from towing away the vehicle by lying in front of it".

[Neal(2.8Roadster)]

I recently got 'strongarmed' into paying £40 NOT to get clamped (they had the clamp half on when I got back after five minutes or less)

Had parked in a (closed) carpet shop car park for a couple of minutes while I had a look round the car place next door on a sunday afternoon in Kieghley.

Being from North Yorkshire I wasnt used to the West Yorkshire Clamping Regime (sorry west yorkshire folk but its true !)

Payed the guy and his Monkey (VERY Menacing Guerilla) £40 into his back pocket to avoid a £150 release fee if he made it official !!!!!

This kind of intimidation should be illegal (and probably is) but what would you have done ???

[tags]

removing...sorry

[Guest]

tags,

That brings up an intersting point.

What do you do if someone 'steals' the clamp that's attached to your vehicle. Its not your clamp, you haven't asked to hire it from the clampling company and you may not even have known it was ever there.

I for one applud this 'diploma in clamping as most of the clampers I have seen wouldn;t make the grade and would be out of business. Mind you, at

Simon

[ZZZEMMCO]

Is it not time to Bite Back???? Enrol on the New Clamp Removal Course, on a Web near YOU.Great value as its FOC, and makes YOU the winner.

Purchase your 6" Angle Grinder with charger-Charge up.If returning to your car and finding it has a clamp on, wait untill any nice Mr/Ms clampers have departed the area, and Grind clamp (care Req to not damage the wheel) in half.

Remove and place in boot.Check notice on car giving Info & Tel No of contact.Find address of said fixers.Package up Deceased Clamp, and send COD to Fixers, --proof it has been returned. I have heard that Pro Clamp removal service,s are being started, in a centre near You!!

The New Laws going thru the House of ConMens regulating clamping, +++ will be with you , in ????? 25 years.??UNLESS an ELECTION is Near.

[SCORPION]

Anyone know where I can get a 12 volt angle grinder ?

[CTB]

Makita did make a cordless angle grinder for a while, apparently they have ceased production, it was only good for sharpening grass cutter blades and the such, had a limited battery live, but would slice through a padlock in no time at all.
I Know, I have one .....................

[spokey]

I Know, I have one .....................

[Boondock]

Try this man (looks as if he's had a few problems since I checked the site out about a year ago)


http://www.anglegrinderman.org/componen ... /Itemid,1/


Cheers Boondock