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Can the police have a broken-down car removed from a dual carriageway?

A case reported in our local press has left me confused and wondering what the motorist's rights are. A motorist broke down on a hill on a dual carriageway. They contacted their motoring organisation and were told help would arrive within the hour. The police arrived and said the car was causing an obstruction and had to be moved immediately, and the police then phoned and cancelled the motoring organisation's recovery and called out a local company. The motorist was towed off the dual carriageway and then presented with a £200 bill. What are the motorist's rights and did they have to pay this bill?

Asked on 25 July 2010 by colwyn

Answered by Honest John
None, and he had to pay the bill. The car was in a dangerous position and the police had the right to have it removed as soon as possible before it caused a crash.
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