New Zealand man drove car fitted with two wheel clamps

It was a rough ride home for New Plymouth's Lester Wells after his car was wheel-clamped. "It was just a bit vibratory. Once they went up into the wheel arches, they just stayed there," Mr Wells said after his 1.4km journey home on Thursday.

The 44-year-old beneficiary parked his car under the Top Town Cinema, at about 9am, only to find both of his front wheels had been clamped when he returned from a meeting with Work and Income about 40 minutes later.

Mr Wells said he popped into the centre's Nickels and Dimes shop to buy swizzle sticks. When he tried to explain the situation to the Egmont Security officer, the man showed no compassion. "I may have only spent $2, but it was a purchase."



Mr Wells, who has a bad back, said he drove out of necessity. "I've had to get to a doctor's appointment. Sometimes you have got to take the law into your own hands." After breaking a hammer trying to pry the clamps loose, Mr Wells gunned his car along Gill St. Scrape marks were visible where he pulled out from the carpark.

Police quickly arrived at Mr Wells' home after it was reported he had driven off. Constable Jason Koch said driving with the clamps on would have compromised Mr Wells' control of his car. "It's not ideal when you have got something wrapped around both front wheels."

Mr Koch said it was the first time he had seen someone drive off with clamped front wheels. Police were yet to decide if Mr Wells would be charged.