ASK someone to name three unpopular professions and you can guarantee that car clampers are vying for top spot alongside traffic wardens and journalists.

Years of confusing regulations have meant that even when the clamping firm has done everything by the book for their land-owning client, they’re depicted as modern-day Dick Turpins.

News that Diane Horsfall has won her legal battle will make a lot of people smile, especially those whose own struggles against such ‘officialdom’ have ended in failure.

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In recent years, there have been moves to clean up the lucrative clamping industry, but you have to ask whether there has been much effect when you hear of stories like this – and far worse.

How about the clamper who refused to fine a heavily pregnant woman with a small child who was devastated by being clamped... and who was eventually forced out of his job.

It tells us not all clampers are money-hungry ‘highwaymen’, but with clearly-defined rules, the industry would avoid the kind of publicity created by disgruntled victims with the law on their side.

But more often than not it will be the signage that causes the problems, as in Diane’s case and until these firms stop trying to make them too small or position them where they can’t be seen, such legal challenges will continue.

Looking for legal help is also a strong option... although you can always hope the government eventually adopts Scotland’s approach.

The country banned wheel clampers in 1992... because they saw the practice as extortion.