Device for locking a vehicle steering column

The lock for the spindle (1) in a car steering system comprises a bolt (7) and an eccentric cam (9) in a mounting (13) which fits into a recess in the top of the bolt. The cam is supported between a vertical face (11) on the bolt at the opposite end to the spindle and a second vertical face (12) on the mounting. As it turns on a shaft (8) the mounting is pushed towards the spindle against the effect of a biasing spring (14) and when this effect is overcome the bolt slides into its locking position.