A WHEEL clamper will appear in court after targeting two police cars involved in an operation to protect the Queen during her visit to Hampshire.

Gareth Andrews, 37, of Privett Road, Fareham, clamped the unmarked vehicles despite the officers being inside.

The police say this prevented the officers from carrying out duties as part of the security operation.

Mr Andrews was arrested on suspicion of wilfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty after the incident in Gunwarth Quays yesterday.

He is also charged with contravening the Private Security Industry Act by not displaying the appropriate licensing badge.

He will appear before South East Hampshire Magistrates on June 3, 2011.

The Queen's low-key visit saw her enjoy lunch on board the super yacht Leander, owned by NCP car park millionaire Sir Donald Gosling.

A police spokesman said: "The officers had not left the vehicles at the time they were clamped."

They refused to confirm which firm the Hampshire operator worked for.