Is it true that you can be clamped if you park beyond the posted time limit or in a spot marked for a specific business? I have seen signs warning about clamping in many carparks around town and it doesn’t seem fair considering many plazas and office buildings don’t have adequate parking.


Auntie’s answer: No, it is not true, but it used to be. And for many people your question dredges up memories of a dark, dark period for Cayman’s motorists. There used to be “parking management” companies operating here whose employees roamed carparks looking to clamp the tyres of any vehicle deemed to have parked illegally.

Once clamped, the driver’s only recourse was to hand over $75 to get the clamp removed. It is fair to say that the people who put on the clamps were universally hated. They worked on commission and apparently lack of compassion was one of the requirements of the job.

The issue of clamping, besides being heatedly discussed by any and all, especially those who had it happen to them, made it to the hallowed halls of the Legislative Assembly, where an MLA argued against the practice. And a cabinet minister famously was clamped and refused to pay the fee.

Finally, good sense prevailed when a revised Traffic Law came into effect in September 2012 that outlawed clamping once and for all. I don’t recall any dancing in the streets but I do believe there was much rejoicing.

Now, that doesn’t mean you can park anywhere you want. There are legitimate no-parking zones and, of course, there are spots reserved for disabled drivers with special tags, so just be sure you are not violating any rules.

Anyway, I am sure that many readers have had their own horrible clamping experience. Thankfully, you will never have to worry about finding one of those dreaded orange monstrosities attached to your tyre.