No more so than in Haworth will the new legislation outlawing private car clamping be welcomed.

Over the years, the Bronte village has become almost as famous globally for activities at the Changegate car park as for the words of those literary sisters.

From charity minibuses to high-ranking politicians, nothing or no-one has been immune from the dreaded clamp.

This newspaper has been constantly bombarded with letters, e-mails and phone calls from unsuspecting tourists who – having become a victim – have vowed never to return to the area.

While sympathy may be limited for those motorists who flagrantly flouted the regulations and were duly penalised, it was the attitude and behaviour of the clampers that sparked most anger and resentment amongst the public.

Haworth traders, the Bronte Society, councillors, tourism chiefs and former MP Ann Cryer are among campaigners who have fought hard across more than a decade for a ban on the practice.

They will be jubilant that at last their battle has been successful, but they would be justified in questioning why it has taken so long.

Clamping and the anger and misery it brings with it, after all, is not a new phenomenon.

The wheels of Parliament are not renowned for moving quickly, clamp or no clamp, but there are occasions when the legislative handbrake needs to be released.

It is to be hoped that the damage caused to the reputation of Haworth and other areas blighted by the practice can be repaired.

And motorists should remember that while clamping on private land may have been outlawed, the issuing of parking tickets has not!