Driver clamped while caring for sick three-year-old son

A driver is furious after he was clamped while he sat in the car looking after his sick three-year-old son. Jaffer Khan, 36, pulled into the car park of New World Snooker, Ilford, when his young son, in the back seat, began coughing violently. The car park displays signs warning that parking there could lead to a fine but Mr Khan said he did not intend to stay.

He said he turned round in his seat to comfort his son, but claims he did not realise that a representative of the private enforcement firm Securak had clamped the rear wheel of his VW Polo car on Thursday. Mr Khan, 31, who lives in Barkingside also had his six-year-old son in the car.



He said: “They told me I had to pay £375 to release the clamp. I felt like crying - I just don’t understand how they can do that without me feeling anything - I just got a tap at the window. The guy who did it was patronising and made me feel very small. I pleaded with him that I had two children in the car.” A white van had blocked the silver car in the space while the representative fitted a clamp first to the rear off side wheel and then to the front driver-side.

Mr Khan then called the police who arrived shortly afterwards. After arriving at the car park, Constable Gray said: “I appreciate that you have your kids here, but you have parked illegally. I know it’s all wrong but there is nothing that we can do. I have been to calls before where the fine has got up to £1,200, I am more frustrated than you are.” Mr Khan eventually negotiated to pay £250 for his car to be released. Securak declined to comment.