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IN THE FIRST eight months of this year, there were more than a dozen reports of physical assaults or verbal threats against clamping staff by members of the public, TheJournal.ie can reveal.
Information released by Dublin City Council under the Freedom of Information Act details a number of serious incidents of aggressive behaviour and abuse faced by staff who enforce parking restrictions around the city.
In one incident on Great Strand Street in April this year, a member of the public “threatened, then physically pushed and spat at a staff member”, according to the council’s records.
Another serious report from June notes a clamper was “struck by a steel bar resulting in a leg injury”.
Parking tickets are issued by An Garda Síochána but clamping and tow-away services in the city are operated by Dublin Street Parking Services (DSPS). The council says a vehicle may be issued with a ticket, clamped or towed-away for a number of reasons which include:
One report notes a member of the public “punched and broke the wing mirror on a company vehicle before running away”. And in an incident in January on Hill Street, one clamper was pushed to the ground while they were kneeling down to remove the clamp from a vehicle.
Other incidents include:
Last month this website detailed a number of similar incidents of similar behaviour towards traffic wardens across the country, including a number of serious threats and physical altercations.
Siptu organiser Brendan O’Brien, who represents both of these groups of workers, said there has been an increase in these kinds of hostile incidents involving parking enforcement staff in the last two years.
“There are a number of counties where it’s gotten so bad that members are now required to wear body cams like you see on rugby referees in case anything happens, so there is a record of it. It’s getting to that and clearly that’s unacceptable,” he told TheJournal.ie last month.
He also expressed concern about social media posts identifying staff and encouraging abuse or violence against them.
Dublin City Council and Dublin Street Parking Services did not respond to requests for comment.
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No sympathy.
@Shane McGrath:
I agree. If you park illegally you deserve it.
@Nick Allen: bravo dufus
@Nick Allen: D’oh
@Shane McGrath:
So fighting fire with fire is when you break the rules and are penalised it is okay to resort to physical abuse because you are caught. I suppose if you don’t have the ability to fight with your intellect you need to rely on something else.
@Shane McGrath: you’re wasting your time trying to reason with these bots. They look very convincing don’t they! Save your stress levels.
@UilickMcGee: ( psml) love love love your comment !
@Shane McGrath: pathetic you would resort to violence or promote it to people out making a living. You are a scroate
@Shane McGrath: to quote you “well earned physical abuse”, surely even your language would indicate some level of completely deranged justification and logic?
Why did you hit that man with the iron bar daddy?
Because he clamped my car vindictively just because i parked as i wanted and ended up breaching the rules.
Your mindset is a stunning example of populist thuggery.
@Michael Geraghty: namecalliing? Really? Must have left school early Michael did you?
@Michael Geraghty: and working as a clamper in Dublin.
@Shane McGrath: nick owned you nicely. Numpty.
@Shane McGrath: nick owned you nicely. Numpty.
@filthypete: @allen: sure I might as well tell you all. I brought my father out for what turned out to be his final cup of brewed coffee. He loved it. He wanted so much to be able to go to a cafe with his son and have a laugh as the hospice was really getting him down. We coincided the trip with a visit to the x-ray department. We purchased the ticket as usual. He wasn’t able to finish the coffee and asked me to bring him back to the hospice… cont’d…
@Shane McGrath: for his morphine. We left with an hour to spare on our ticket. When we arrived back at our car the campers had already clamped the vehicle. I quizzed them. They said that I had no valid ticket. BEFORE I opened the car the to let me dad in I asked the clamped to accompany me while I showed him the ticket. He did. I opened the doors, and passed him out he ticket to which he replied I obviously just placed it there and instructed me to pay the fine and the clamp would be removed within the hour. He wouldn’t listen to reason. I said to him and quote to you now, “I am appealing to your better nature to believe what I have told you and
@Shane McGrath: remove the clamp and let me bring a dying man back to the hospice”, to which he replied, “I hear this bucksh*t every day ten times, pay the fine and we’ll be back in an hour”. After 10 or more minutes of further pleading and patience I informed him that he would not be leaving. I got in their van and threw all of their clamps out onto the street. He assaulted me to which I retaliated. The guards were called and he was arrested. You are a scroat Michael Geraghty. That clamper was fined €500 euro by the courts, was bound to the peace and is still happily clamping good, honest and hard-working folks. He wasnt reprimanded by the company and didn’t receive profeaaional up-training on how to deal with a conflict.
@Shane McGrath: Their policy is still the same. Clamp now and let them argue later in the hope that the recipient doesn’t follow up. A few weeks later after burying my father I met your friend again and he asked if “that man had died yet?”. I have no sympathy for the clamper and encourage people to do whatever they feel is right in their particular set of experiences battling your friends and work-colleague, bottom feeders Michael and Allen. I will resent them and you l until my dying breath for the stress and suffering they caused my father in his last days. I can still see his full cup of coffee on the table. ……
@Shane McGrath: sorry for your loss. That man is not my friend. The point i was making was that there’s always a remedy. Extolling the virtues of assaulting someone is not one. He assaulted you and he got court and a penalty. I never claimed to be pro clamper in my post. I just don’t think people being assaulted doing their job is just either. Escalating a situation doesnt help either. I am sure in retrospect you would have been happier not been assaulted too.
@Shane McGrath: that’s horrible. They are horrible b@stards. Not on the same level, but we’ve (in work) had branded delivery vans clamped, contrary to the rules that branded company vehicles are allowed to park in the delivery yard. Clampers are being told by our lads “that’s a branded vehicle, you can’t clamp it” and all they do is tell our lads to f**k off. Even though they’re the ones in the wrong! They deserve what they get.
@Shane McGrath: “I encourage people do whatever they feel is right in their particular set of experience”
My experience of you based solely on your comments is that you’re a thug who extols beating people up just because you don’t like them or they won’t let you have your own way. So going by what you preach you’d be okay if I spat in your face and punched you if you annoyed me?
@Darren Tully: go away you clown
@Nick Allen:
Yes, Nick we should all just follow the rules because any rule that was ever made is reasonable and just. Do not ever question or rebel against them ever. Have you ever tried to “fight with your intellect” and tried to reason with a clamper? It’ll get you nowhere. Computer says ‘No’.
Should’ve made better life choices
@Robert Rusk: the clampers or the clampees
@Casper: you and your sad mates
@Robert Rusk: says the guy that has a second name like Rusk lololololololololololololollolololololol
@Casper: you are very unhappy
@Robert Rusk: lololololololololololololololoololololooolololol
@Casper: sad sad sad. Liking your own comments now. Anything for that dopamine hit
@Robert Rusk: lololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololol Rusk lolololololololololololololololollolololololololol Rusk lolololololololololololololololol
@Casper: I think we’re probably far enough down here that few will read. I hope you are suitably entertained. I don’t actually have any satisfactory response to your clever jibe and I will have to hand this one to you. Well played good sir. I wish you success on your future endeavours in your wank cubicle
@Robert Rusk: thanks Rob your great crack I look forward to our next encounter lol
@Casper: ya big stoopid
@Casper: You do realise a surname is not generally chosen by the person who bears it?
car parking fines in dublin alone are worth 5mln euro per year. This is a game.
@gregory: And that in the EU country with the worst public transport available. Even Latvia has trams in cities and trains with better coverage than hours – thanks to the russians to be fair cause they’re broke – idem other East EU countries. We are about 50 years behind a top level country like Holland.
@gregory: they’re broke = LV = broke
@gregory: Dublin was considered “one of the most impressive in the world” Dublin United Tramways could boast of being one of the finest services in Europe and the seventh largest system, with 330 tram cars. The first street tramway system was introduced by an Irishman, John Stevenson, to New York in 1832. Originally hauled by steam, then introduced to Dublin by an American, built by the British and dismantled by the Irish.
On the old system, Dublin had pretty comprehensive coverage.
Examples of some of the routes in service at the time included 70 miles in fact.
Phoenix Park to Ballsbridge
O’Connell Street to Dalkey
O’Connell Street to Howth
Rathfarnham to Drumcondra via Harold’s Cross
around 40 different tram numbers were run.
the first horse draw tram was operated in to Rathgar in 1871,
The first electric tram was operated from Haddington Road to Dalkey in 1896 and the system completely electrified by 1902.
What brought about the end for Dublin’s tramways was the rise of the bus service in the city. Buses proved to be more mobile and had the ability to travel to areas that were a long distance away from tram stops. Dublin’s first official bus route opened in 1925, running from Killester via Clontarf to the city centre.
Coming towards the end of the 1940s, the use of trams in the city went into rapid decline because of buses.
in the late 1880-early 1900s Dublin was far ahead of other countries.
we just got distracted for a 100 years.
@gregory: you cant compare communist Latvia where car ownership in the 40s,50s etc wasn’t the thing, vs Dublin in the 40s. the public depended on trams etc as they couldn’t have cars let alone have their own businesses.
@gregory: Then by all means, fine people, I agree with it, Just dont dare lay a finger on my car.
There needs to be a better system brought in clamping is all about grabbing money and profits and it’s just not on when any one does that at the mishap of others, I have no experience with this but I’ve seen these guys drive around the capital looking to pounce on some poor misfortune, it’s better for everyone safety to come up with some other solutions for this.
@Casper: What would be a better system? I’d only say being clamped for an expired ticket could be dealt with as a ticket instead. But clamping for other reasons works well as a deterrent.
@Peter: I remember reading somewhere that two of the spots that see a lot of clamping are those in the vicinity of Temple street and Holles street hospitals. Its awful to be clamping cars of people who could be in with a sick child/ mrs in labour and the only violation is an expired ticket.
@John Kinsella: Yes, they should be towed for blocking a hospital/ambulance.
@Peter: I agree, fine someone for illegal parking, But clamping should be reserved for out of date tax, nct etc, then towed if they are out by too much.
It’s quite simple don’t park illegally and you won’t get clamped. Some people don’t like being told they’re wrong and react like savages.
@Barra O Brien: and most people don’t like you
@Barra O Brien: you must be a clamper you speak from experience
@Robert Rusk:
Are you just back from the pub after a scoop full or is this your sober? Please say you are locked
@Nick Allen: aw diddums got triggered
@UilickMcGee:
I think exaggeration first in your case
@Barra O Brien: PLease tell that to all the people at Newbridge park and ride, and a host of other places, who are constantly getting clamped despite having parked perfectly legally.
@Robert Rusk: for a lad using a buzz word arent you victim blaming the lads doing their job?
@Robert Rusk: mind blowing intellect Rusk. Lol
@Neal Ireland Hello.: My issue is the able bodied clowns who park in disabled spaces, park on footpaths or abandon their vehicles just so they don’t have to walk five minutes.
No time for them. No sympathy for them. You reap what you sow.
@Michael J Foley: I agree, people that park illegal are complete dicks and deserve all they get. Especially those that block entrances, footpaths and disabled spaces.
@Barry Somers: I agree with you for the type of parking you describe but the problem is most of the clamps are put on cars that are doing no harm except the meter has run out . Also they target areas in Dublin 2 or 4 where they will get away with this type of harassment and bullying just to gather revenue. Of course it is the faceless business man who is the main greedy shareholder of the company who clamps for Dublin City Council who I despise far more than the clampers .
They are only doing their job. Nobody deserves to be abused verbally or physically while doing their job. The amount of inconsiderate parking around the country is diabolical. I recently witnessed a blind lady get a nasty gash on her leg because of a car parked totally on the footpath.
@Paul Linehan: boo effin hoo
@Robert Rusk:
The dregs are out tonight
@Robert Rusk: Think it’s time for your FARLEYS Robert RUSK!!!!
@Nick Allen: you’re a dreg
Jobseekers’ claimants should be allowed to turn down jobs like this on the basis of being a conscientious objector.
@Neal Ireland Hello.: Apologies for the disgracefully misplaced apostrophe.
Vermin, lowest in the food chain, s..t eaters,I would disown my nearest & dearest if one of them took that kind of job, they prey on the most vulnerable people,you would really need to be a complete weasel to even consider a job like that, they’re wannabe Gardai and walk around with a swagger, worst of luck to them!!!
There are a number of clamping ‘traps’ in dublin. Along One particularly egregious one I saw 15 cars in a neat row, all clamped. Was every driver some sirt of degenerate or Did a deceptive situation obtain? I noticed this, and as the next victim signalled to try and park, I cheerfully advised the motorist of the danger. Nearby, the waiting clampers were vocal in their dissaproval of my warning. If some clambers will often act like bandits, its hardly surprising that some motorists will respond robustly. Its a bad situation all round.
Bottom feeders. No sympathy for the parasites.
I will go so far as to say that yes these are probably some guys who just needed a job and they’re caught in the system the same as the rest of us and have gotten a worse deal than most. Kind of like those poor dopes shovelling the radioactive material at Chernobyl… there’s the guys that are making the rules to say that this is okay who should be blamed. Clampers are their mere patsies. It’s hard to find sympathy with them tho so I hope they’re getting suitable pay to compensate their trouble. They should talk to their SIPTU pals about going on strike if not …
@Robert Rusk: just to let you know rob I’ve given you your first like for this comment
@Casper: least you can do for all the entertainment I’ve given you
Clampers are just doing their job and should not be physically or verbally harassed or intimidated no matter how unpopular that proves. The thing that confuses me is that you have a car parked illegally blocking traffic and when it is clamped it ends up being an obstruction for far longer than it should be. Aren’t they adding to the problem they are trying to solve?
Seems reasonable enough, with all these alledged verbal assaults could tge Journal advise on any actual prosecutions? Necessary clamping is one thing but the sneakyness employed by certain operators is disgraceful.
Clampers employ fellas who were turned down from the army, guards and security companies. Axe to grind
Need a body cam for this job. If I yer mad enough to apply for a nasty job like this.
Bottom feaders
And god created the angle grinder!
@oliverjumelle:
But he didn’t create the power to run it!!
If anyone plans on using a battery powered angel grinder to cut a 16mm chain link in two places bring at least 10 batteries.
Outside my place they do hammer the damn clamp off their cars. It’s not a once off either. I rang the guards one day as I was sick of it. They wanted all my details, when I questioned that they said incase you have to go to court. I hung up.
@purple rain: Why’d you hang up??
I never park illegally, but like everyone, I can overstay my ticket amount due to a delay or unforeseen circumstances, So fine me and I’ll pay the fine and rightly so, But if you even think of clamping my car then you better have very good health insurance because I will make sure you need it. Traffic wardens get my respect for the job they do, Clampers can burn in hell, if I dont get you first.
They can’t get enough grief that shower. Bunch of ignorant sly pigs. My wife is a nurse. One morning she was late getting down to her car after a night shift after a patient went into cardiac arrest. They saved the poor persons life but by the time she reassured the family members and finished her notes the car was clamped. Fair enough late as she was she tried to explain the situ to the clampers office but the shower of sewer rats showed what we already know. Heartless. €120 it cost to save a life that meant nothing to that shower. They deserve all they get and more.
If they would just listen to reason it would be much easier to deal with. But they are complete vultures and seem to like their jobs.
Clamping does not remove the illegally parked vehicle, should be towed away to a compound that is awkward to get to just like they do in the UK.
No one deserves this abuse ever, be it in work or not.
Let’s not forget about people who drive in the city… There’s a special place in hell for them too
@People Fail: if they are driving in Dublin, they’re already in hell
@Ian: they’re the main reason the bus service is so unreliable
What did they think was going to happen?
Good enough for them literally worse than the Nazis
have your say