THE controversial methods used by car clampers in Eastleigh are now being reviewed by their employers, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The move comes after dozens of motorists complained after paying hundreds of pounds to get their cars back – and now fees have been hiked by 20 per cent.

The clampers, Whites Car Park Solutions Ltd, are employed to patrol the site in Alexander Square, Eastleigh, by Bartley Management Limited.

A Bartley spokesman said: “We have sent a letter to Whites to see if we can change the way they approach the clamping of cars on the site and are waiting to hear back from them.”

In the meantime the Daily Echo has hit back on behalf of motorists.

Armed with a wooden mallet this newspaper erected a prominent yellow sign warning motorists of the clampers activities.

Passers-by gave the thumbs up as the Daily Echo hammered the 4ft high warning sign into the ground outside the entrance to Alexander Square in Twyford Road.

The sign reads: “Warning To All Motorists – Clampers Operate Here! And They Now Charge You £180 To Release Your Car.”

The new Whites charges include a hike from £150 to £180 to release a car, a rise from £250 to £300 to call out the tow truck and having your car stored in their compound has increased from £35 per day to £42.

The increase comes despite Whites coming under fire from angry residents and motorists.

Resident Katie Barret, a 24-yearold insurance advisor, said: “My friends were clamped when they came to visit and it’s put them off coming again. The prices they were charging were ridiculous anyway but now they are just extortionate.”

Another woman, whose daughter lives in Alexander Square, said: “They are trying to make as much profit as possible. They were charging a lot but now it’s just too much.”

Leading politicians have also joined the criticisms branding the firm a “cowboy outfit” and “greedy”.

Eastleigh MP and cabinet member Chris Huhne said: “Car clamping of this sort amounts to little more than extortion with menaces.”

The Daily Echo tried to contact Jason White, the owner of Whites Car Park Solutions Ltd, but he did not return our calls.