Written question asked by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 May 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 17 May 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Theft: Motor Vehicles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reasons are for the recent increase in charges to owners for recovery of stolen cars.

Answer: There has been no recent increase to the changes prescribed by statute to be paid by the owners of vehicles removed by the police under their powers to remove any vehicle that is illegally, obstructively or dangerously parked, or broken down or abandoned. This includes vehicles abandoned after being stolen. The charges help meet the cost of the removal and subsequent storage.We are currently consulting on possible changes to these charges and have not yet reached any conclusions. The consultation document is available on the Home Office website at:"www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/haveyoursay/current-consultation"

Secondary information