In Islington borough in London, 120 people were reunited with their stolen vehicles in the past two years thanks to parking attendants spotting their vehicles while on their rounds.
In an initiative involving the councilโs parking service, police and the DVLA, untaxed vehicles are now being targeted by wardens. Often, these vehicles turn out to have been stolen or used in a crime, or both. When spotted they are immediately taken to Islingtonโs car pound and reunited with their rightful owners.
The initiative first started in 2003 with 26 stolen vehicles being recovered in that year. The following year the figure nearly tripled to 72 and 24 have so far been recovered in the first two months of 2005 alone.
Apart from tackling crime, removing these cars eradicates a dangerous menace from the roads, according to the borough. If they are involved in an accident with another vehicle it can be the unfortunate, innocent party that is left picking up the tab for their own repairs, as these vehicles are uninsured.
What they say
โHaving your car stolen is a very traumatic experience. Our Parking Attendants are very happy to be able to reunite owners with their cars. This is one of the many benefits of having parking controls", says Councillor George Allan, executive member for customer focus. โThis joint initiative with the police and the DVLA is doing its bit to reduce crime and improve public safety as well as the living environment.โ
The owners of stolen vehicles are not charged for removing their vehicle from the pound, the borough adds.
