Damaged clamps in Dublin over 3 year period cost €800k

Dublin City Council estimates that the cost of replacing clamps damaged or illegally removed from vehicles on Dublin streets could reach almost €800,000 over a three-year period. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 9,061 code black cases were reported, with at least 100 clamps removed illegally from each of 10 different streets. Marlborough Place in the north inner city had the highest number of code black cases at 166.

South Circular Road and Clarendon Street also experienced high rates of illegal clamp removal, with 162 and 129 cases respectively. The worst-case replacement value of clamps reported as illegally removed or destroyed was €795,000, though this figure does not account for recovered and repaired clamps. The cost to operate a standard clamp is estimated at €130, excluding indirect costs such as staff time and vehicle attendance.

DSPS did not pursue civil compensation for illegally removed clamps but developed a policy addressing the issue, including recovery of associated costs where appropriate. The primary reason for clamp removal appears to be near construction sites, with approximately 2,100 clamps written off without de-clamping or payment.