Drivers could have the last laugh in the war against car clampers.

Motorists clamped at the Marketfield Road Car Park, Redhill, could claim back thousands of pounds in penalty fines if Government legislation gets the green light.

The new law would put the power firmly back in the hands of drivers, who could reclaim cash after being unfairly clamped.

On January 28, Home Office minister Alan Campbell tabled laws which will give drivers the right to an independent appeal if they are clamped on private land.

A tribunal will have the power to order firms to repay unfair fines or towing charges in full, and they will be funded by charges made against clamping companies.

Steve Lane, 52, of Petridge Road, Redhill, was fined £205 – money set aside for Christmas presents – following a 10-minute trip to Redhill Town Centre.

He said: "It will be great if this comes off.

"These clamping companies clearly need to have someone to account to."

There is no upper limit on the amount of compensation and the maximum charge for recovering a towed car will be fixed at around £105 for areas outside London.

The clampers will also be banned from marching drivers to cash points, and will no longer be able to hide signs in an effort to catch them out.

Companies who break the new guidelines face a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" policy by the new panel.