The Government is to bring forward legislation regulating the off-street clamping industry.

Garda vetting of the employees of clamping companies and a cap on the fees charged by such companies for releasing clamped vehicles are among measures to be included in new legislation.

Clamping carried out on private property, such as in apartment blocks and shopping centre, is currently unregulated.

This has led to claims of unscrupulous behaviour among a small number of clamping companies.

Minister Vadarkar got permission from his Cabinet colleagues today to begin drafting the bill, which it is hoped will be ready and in place by the end of the year.

Clamping companies will have to be licensed or obtain a permit to operate a clamping service on private property.

They will be required to meet certain criteria to get that permit and will be required to operate under new guidelines.

The development has been welcomed by the AA as good news for motorists, and by the organisation representing parking and clamping companies, who say it will help weed out the few rogue operators tarnishing the industry.

The system is likely to be operated by an existing State agency.