The Transport Minister says that new legislation will protect motorists from rogue clampers who could now face fines themselves of up to €5,000.

The new laws set a maximum release fee for people who have been clamped and will ensure there is adequate warning sineage on private sites - including shopping centres, schools and hospitals.

There is also a two-stage appeals process for those who feel they have been clamped inappropriately.

A person whose car has been clamped or relocated may make a first-stage appeal to the landowner, local authority or body responsible for enforcing parking in a particular area. Where a person is not satisfied with this appeal, they may lodge a second-stage appeal to an independent clamping appeals officer designated by the NTA.

It sets up a default maximum clamping release fee of €100 for private property, a code of practice for operators, and a new requirement that signs must always be displayed where clamping is in operation.

The fee for release on public roads remains at €80, and the Transport Minister says there are no proposals to increase it.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) will regulate clamping activities, and set up and administer an appeals process.

Minister Leo Varadkar says it will stop the 'free for all' which has existed up to now.