Calls for an inquiry into an "outrageous" wheel-clamping company were issued this week following scores of complaints from drivers.

This paper reported in February how shoppers and traders were being stung by the "overzealous" car clamping operation in Latham Court, off Brownlow Road, in Bounds Green.

The small privately-owned service road, lined with a few shops, has 24-hour parking restrictions in place, enforced by Sango Security Ltd.

Signs between shops warn motorists that unattended vehicles will be clamped and towed away at an average cost of £170, payable only in cash.

Matt Cooke, Labour councillor for Bounds Green, is now urging the Security Industry Authority (SIA) - which manages the licensing of private security companies - to investigate claims of aggressive and intimidating behaviour, unclear signs and failure to wear badges.

Mr Cooke, who has been fielding complaints about the company since it began operating last November, said: "I have had 15 residents come to me with clamping stories from Latham Court but I suspect this is the tip of the iceberg.

"It's a really nasty, cheap and money-making scheme but it's not cheap for the residents, it's very expensive. I just think it's outrageous."

Colin Simpson, company director of Sango, said staff were "very quiet and well-spoken". He said: "We don't need to intimidate people to do our job.

"I do regret that people feel like this and I have reviewed our policies recently and people should be seeing a lot of changes. We don't want to cause problems."

A spokeswoman for the SIA said: "We will look into the company and the allegations and take appropriate action."

Mr Simpson said any complaints should be put in writing and sent to 196 High Road, Wood Green, N22 8HH.

u Last week Latham Court was painted with yellow lines after Haringey Council forgot the road was private property and proceeded to prepare it for the impending Bounds Green CPZ. A council spokesman said the lines were being removed.