While I was being taken away in an ambulance for my broken leg, the police (who just happened to be passing) arranged for the bike to be recovered. At the time, I thanked them as I was in no fit state to deal with it myself.
However, I now wonder if the police have stitched me up so they can make some money for themselves because, when I turned up at the recovery yard, I was told I had to pay a recovery charge. I couldn’t believe it and I left saying I was getting legal advice. My view is that as I didn’t order the recovery truck, I don’t see why I should pay for it. I’m thinking of suing the police and the recovery yard. What do you think? I am thinking of telling the police that and putting them in their place as they want to come and speak to me next week.
Answer
Firstly, I hope you’re recovering well from your injuries, and that you’ll be back enjoying your local lanes soon. However, I think you are seeing conspiracy theories that are not there. Unfortunately, you made a mistake and you got knocked off your bike. It happens. We have all cocked up at some point. However, the fact of the matter is there was then a hazard on the road (your damaged bike) that you caused. This needed clearing and the police were just doing their job. If you sue the police or the recovery yard, any judge in the land will throw it out of court as neither of them have done anything wrong.
By way of explanation, under the law in England and Wales, the police have the power to have vehicles causing an obstruction removed. The law also means that you, as the owner, have to pay a charge. Details of this can be found at The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles (Prescribed Sums and Charges) Regulations 2008. At the time of writing, for a motorcycle, there will be a fee of £192 to get it recovered from the accident scene. Thereafter, there is a storage fee of £13 per day. If I were you, I would try and get it paid and get your bike home as quickly as possible to stop the charges racking up. While I get you don’t want to pay a fee, at least your bike wasn’t left at the accident scene and then stolen by some scumbag.
Lastly, I am of the opinion you should be more concerned as to why the police want to come and see you next week. I suspect they may be looking to prosecute you for careless or perhaps even dangerous driving. My advice is to be nice to the police and find out what they want. Whatever you do, do not do any interview with the police without legal representation present. Do not enter into a ‘friendly chat’ at your house, for example. If you cannot afford a solicitor, you are entitled to a free duty solicitor, so make use of them.
Andrew Prendergast
Adventure Bike Rider – July/August 2025
