The City of Stirling mayor has labelled wheel clamping by private contractors in Perth’s northern suburbs as “close to extortion” as the council plans debate whether it should ban the practice in the local government area.

Councillor and mayor Mark Irwin submitted a notice of motion at the City of Stirling’s July 30 council meeting asking for the council to investigate its powers in either banning the use of wheel clamps in the city, or regulating their use.

The motion will be moved in a council meeting on Tuesday evening.

Wheel clamps in the City of Stirling are used by private contractors around Scarborough and Doubleview, and are used mainly by private landowners and strata holders as a “self-help” method to stop cars from parking on the property without permission.

Western Australia does not have law or regulations that govern wheel clamping practices, and instead industry relies on a voluntary code of practice.