We have recently settled in Bristol, having moved from Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. We have found the multiracial society that is Bristol very accommodating – until the evening of September 10.

We were travelling back from our bi-weekly visit to see our family. Whilst crossing the Downs, we spotted some kites which were promoting an event being held at Ashton Court over the weekend. Let's go and have a look, we said.

We parked our car, along with dozens of others, on Ladies Mile, on the verge opposite the ice cream van. We walked the short distance across the road to admire the kites.

On our return we found that our car had been clamped, along with three or four others.

One of these had already telephoned the clamping company in question. Two men arrived, wearing black Umbro T-shirts and black tracksuit bottoms. The vehicle was unmarked and very much the worse for wear.

We appealed to them but they would not relent, insisting that they were working within the law.

After a couple more hours of dissension, the police arrived and confirmed that they were indeed legal. Apparently the area is now being patrolled by a security company employed by the Downs Committee to help prevent abuse of this very beautiful area of the city.

There are signs strategically placed so that the unsuspecting motorist cannot easily see them, and surely some sort of leniency should be applied, especially when there is a publicity event, with TV cameras present.

No, there is no money to be made showing leniency. These men knew these kites would be a magnet for passing motorists, so they moved in and made a killing.

We agree that these open spaces must be protected but we also feel that the Downs Committee should find a more professional clamping company (if that is at all possible) – one with marked vehicles, proper uniforms and more prominent signs. A company with some presence – not one that creeps up after you have left your vehicle and slaps a clamp on.

We certainly won't be visiting the Downs again in a hurry.

Two very unhappy new residents of Bristol, Name and address supplied.