Clamping of cars to be extended to target illegal parking - punishing motorists or a necessary move?

The Department for Regional Development plans to extend its clamping powers in Northern Ireland. Currently only vehicles that are unlicensed and untaxed are clamped. But soon a new policy will be put in place that will clamp cars that are causing obstructions on key routes and bus lanes. Is this just another way of punishing motorists or a necessary step to keep traffic flowing?