Cars removed from roads and motorways (From Bucks Free Press)

Cars removed from roads and motorways

5:05pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009 in

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FIFTEEN abandoned cars on major roads around Buckinghamshire have been taken away by Highways Agency officers since Monday evening's chaotic rush hour commute.

The organisation, which is responsible for managing England's Motorway and strategic trunk road network, has picked up vehicles from the M40, M4 and A404.

Highways Agency spokesman Roger Jones said: “We recognise that drivers have experienced severe weather conditions over the last few days and the Highways Agency has been doing everything possible to keep motorways and major roads moving.

“In a very limited number of cases the Highways Agency has had to remove abandoned vehicles from the M40, M4 and A404 to ensure safety. However, where it was safe to do so we left the vehicles for as long as possible to give drivers time to retrieve them.”

Some drivers are facing costs of more than £150 to retrieve their cars.

Reader Nick Beresford contacted the Bucks Free Press to say his daughter, Natalie, 19, had been charged £150 to pick up her car.

Mr Jones said: “Anyone whose vehicle was removed by the Highways Agency and who would like the charges reviewed should contact the Agency.”

Meanwhile, Wycombe District Council said abandoned cars would not get parking fines.

Spokesman Catherine Spalton said: “Our civil enforcement officers will be a visible presence over the next few days and will be happy to provide information and assistance to motorists.

“For those who had to unexpectedly abandon their vehicles in council-owned car parks or on the side of the road on Monday, we will not be issuing any penalty charge notices.

“We would encourage any motorists who had to abandon their vehicle to make arrangements to move it as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Chiltern District Council spokesman Rachel Prance said while snow is covering over lines for parking bays penalty notices will not be issued.

However, once it melts, tickets can be given again.

"As soon as the snow goes it's business as usual," she said.