Scheme allowing council to seize vehicles launched

The policy targets vehicles with three or more recorded violations and where the penalty charge notice is not paid

A scheme that gives a council powers to seize vehicles with unpaid parking tickets has been launched.

Slough Borough Council's Vehicle Removals Policy was approved by the cabinet last year and means the authority can remove vehicles from the highway with more than three unpaid parking tickets.

If a vehicle is removed, Thames Valley Police would be informed and the owner would have to go to a storage facility to release it, for a charge.

Paul King, lead councillor for highways and transport, said the scheme would "address the anti-social behaviour problems linked to inconsiderate parking".

"Many drivers continue to obstruct the flow of traffic and occupy parking places reserved for residents, disabled blue badge holders and other permit holders," he said.

"We hope drivers can follow the rules and park where they are permitted to.

"If they don't... there is a real risk that their vehicle will be removed from the highway, and they'll have to pay additional fees for removal and storage.

"The ultimate risk is that the vehicle will be disposed of."

The scheme includes fines issued for cars stopping at bus stops

Contraventions include unauthorised parking in a loading bay, stopping in a bus stop or stopping on a pedestrian crossing.

It would cover vehicles obstructing planned maintenance work or preventing access to emergency service and waste collection vehicles.

It also covers abandoned vehicles and non-motorised vehicles such as trailers and caravans.