A debate about rampant wheel clamping in parts of Perth has hit a new level after a photo emerged of a parking inspector car that got wheel clamped in Scarborough overnight.

Key points: Wheel clamping has become increasingly common in suburbs like Scarborough

Wheel clamping has become increasingly common in suburbs like Scarborough The Premier said he will tackle the practice, labelling it "un-Australian"

The Premier said he will tackle the practice, labelling it "un-Australian" But business Auto Clamp said clamping was needed to enforce parking policies

The photo of the unfortunate City of Stirling vehicle was snapped by bemused local Christy Phillips.

"We couldn't stop laughing last night when we walked past," she said.

"I live quite close and walk to the markets every Thursday, and every Thursday we see this happening.

"It's a disgrace. As a local I am disgusted by the blatant money grabbing."

Heavy penalties apply if your car is wheel clamped. ( Supplied )

The City of Stirling does not enforce wheel clamping itself, rather the local government authority has been looking to ban it amid reports of overzealous contractors policing private car parks.

Demands of money for de-clamping

WA Premier Mark McGowan suggested the problem had got so out-of-hand his Government would look to roll out a state-wide ban of the practice.

"I hate it," he told ABC Radio Perth.

Sorry, this audio has expired Wheel clamping spree triggers outrage in southern Perth suburb

"I think it's un-Australian, it's the kind of thing that goes on in other countries around the world that shouldn't happen here.

"We're looking at legislative options currently to stop this, but to come up with other solutions, because you can't have people parking unlawfully, obviously."

Wheel clamping has become a hot-button issue around Perth. ( Facebook )

Mr McGowan said he was particularly concerned by reports of intimidating behaviour by wheel clampers who refused to remove a clamp until receiving payment.

"Basically, families come back from the beach or shopping or wherever they might be and there's some big heavy fella standing there, demanding money from them or else he won't let the clamp off," he said.

"Now that is unacceptable, so we are looking at what legislation we can bring in to stop this practice.

"Someone said to me they look like bikies, some of these guys sitting around."

'It's our livelihood, it's our business'

The managing director of Auto Clamp in Perth, Sue Chapman, denied the claims that people clamping cars were intimidating or threatening.

"I find it quite amazing that he brings up 'thugs' and 'bullies'," she told ABC Radio Perth in response to the Premier's comments.

"In 20 years that we've had wheel clamping, I've never known any bikies to be involved in it, nor have I known any thugs or bullies."

Ms Chapman also defended the practice and said the owners of private property had a right and a purpose for keeping parking available for their employees or customers.

"Private parking has the right to remain private," she said.

"Wheel clamping takes place because we are the last resort for people who have parking concerns.

"We don't sit and wait for people, we are part of a random patrol and if you're caught in that random patrol, a clamp is applied to your vehicle if you haven't complied with the conditions."

Wheel clamping has been heavily criticised in the Scarborough area. ( Supplied )

Ms Chapman raised concerns that a move to outlaw wheel clamping in WA would cause at least 20 people to lose their jobs.

"I've got six children that I support, I've got bills like everybody else," she said.

"It'll come as quite a shock — it's our livelihood, it's our business."

Ms Chapman said she understood public dissatisfaction with clamping but she also understood the motivations of her clients.

She said the simplest way for people to avoid being clamped was to pay attention to signage, particularly in places such as Scarborough.

"There are 23 signs down there, all bigger than any council signs, and people still don't read them," she said.