Warning over abandoned cars
ROADSIDE recovery workers have warned of “total road chaos” if the way they are paid for their vital services is not reformed.
Three-quarters of operators say they would consider stopping essential recovery work on behalf of the police and highways authorities in the next three to five years if nothing is done.
This could lead to major roads being littered with broken down, dangerously abandoned and confiscated vehicles, according to the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO).
As well as providing breakdown cover for motorists, operators work under contract to remove vehicles that have been involved in crime or are causing an obstruction. The vehicle owners are charged a statutory fee – last reviewed in 2008 – but AVRO says so much of this fee is now taken by the police and highways authorities that operators are finding the work may no longer be viable.
AVRO’S survey of members found 93 per cent feel they are being treated unfairly by the police and highway authorities, and 95 per cent want the Government to do more to ensure a fairer industry.
Campaigners are now calling for part of the fee to be paid directly to recovery operators.
Steve Smith, president of AVRO, said people in the industry feel “huge concern” about its future viability. He said: “Our members’ survey highlights the shocking extent of the unfair treatment of the roadside rescue and recovery industry.
“For too long our hard work and independent family-run businesses have been overlooked and undercut by the statutory fees framework and the police and highways authorities who employ us. It is extremely worrying operators are considering stopping work for police and highway authorities.
“This will have a detrimental impact on public safety and mean an increase in violent crime carried out on our roads. Our industry is in its worst financial position for 50 years. The Government must act now before total road chaos ensues. This is why AVRO is calling for any increase in statutory fees to be paid directly to recovery operators.”
Peter Aldous, Conservative MP for Waveney, said: “It is crucial that our hard-working recovery operators feel supported by the Government and they receive fair payment for their work, which is often dangerous and crucial to all road users’ safety.”
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Police charges for vehicle recovery avoid costs being borne by the taxpayer and allow the police to remove vehicles that are potential obstructions and dangers on the road.”