Please sir, can I have my car back?

New Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges is pussy-footing around with his proposed good manners guide to wheel-clamping, Labour’s Transport spokesperson Phil Twyford says.

"People have had a gutsful of the predatory behaviour of towies and wheel clamper. A voluntary ‘code of conduct’ is not going to cut the mustard.

"What are you supposed to do next time you find your car has been clamped without good reason: politely ask the wheel clamper whether they have signed up to the code of conduct? Don't make me laugh.

"When drivers break the rules they should face the consequences, but the rules shouldn’t just be at the discretion of the tow truck industry,” Phil Twyford said.

"Tow truck drivers and wheel clampers have been a law unto themselves, deliberately using ambiguous signage, and charging inordinate fees to get cars released.

“A softly, softly approach won’t work. Labour would regulate to ensure there was no more rorting of the system. Motorists would be in no doubt of their rights and towies and clampers would be in doubt about the penalties they faced if they broke the law.

“In the meantime, Mr Bridges needs to explain exactly how wheel clampers and tow truck drivers will be held accountable under his code of conduct, and what redress will be available to motorists,” Phil Twyford said.