Hundreds of cars lifted for blocking fire engines' path

Published on Friday 10 December 2010 15:14

MORE than 500 motorists have had their vehicles seized by police this year after they double-parked in the street and threatened to block firefighters racing to emergencies.

Officers ordered the vehicles to be uplifted because they were parked "dangerously" or causing an obstruction, with 65 confiscated in one month alone.

New figures released today showed that police have impounded 5141 vehicles since January - around 14 every day.

The seizures included 1517 vehicles taken off the roads after officers caught the driver behind the wheel without a licence or insurance.

A total of 70 vehicles were also confiscated under antisocial behaviour laws during this year after the motorists were judged to be causing "fear or alarm" through their driving.

Police chiefs today blasted the "ignorant" drivers who double-park in the street and block emergency vehicles.

Fire chiefs also urged members of the public to take care over parking to avoid "potentially tragic consequences" if firefighters are delayed.

Inspector David Milne, from the road policing unit, said: "The cases of vehicles being left as an obstruction is down to drivers being ignorant about how they park their vehicle.

"Most are people double- parking in the street and obstructing the fire service."

Motorists caught without a driving licence, valid insurance or a tax disc can have their vehicles uplifted and put in storage.

Owners have to pay a 150 removal fee, as well as a daily storage charge of 12, to have their cars returned.

The revenue generated has gone to the garages for the cost of uplifts and storage, with the force only keeping six per cent of the total for paper work.

Insp Milne added: "There have been some repeat offenders caught without licences or insurance, but we've found that different drivers think they can take the risk and not get caught.

"I'm sure that some of those caught without insurance is due to the current economic climate. They are taking the risk to try to save money.

"My message to them is that they could be involved in a collision which not only results in another vehicle being damaged, but leaves someone seriously injured. Now they are left with no insurance cover and by trying to save a few hundred pounds they end up liable for tens of thousands.

"We are catching people from intelligence, but also routine checks and other methods."

Meanwhile, police uplifted 1811 vehicles in the force area between January and November after they were involved in serious collisions. In each case, the driver was injured and unable to arrange its removal, or the removal could not be carried out within the 30-minute deadline set by police.

A total of 631 cars were taken away by police after they were stolen by joyriders before being abandoned.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "If a vehicle is parked where it blocks an emergency route then it can have potentially tragic consequences."