Recovery men warn on rotas
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by Karen Miles • Recovery operators have warned every Chief Constable in the UK that the revolution in the management of police breakdown rotas should not bar independent operators from helping stranded motorists.
The 43 Chief Constables in England and Wales have been told by the Road Rescue Recovery Association that they no longer have the power to contract out the management of normal breakdowns to recovery clubs unless there is danger or obstruction.
The RRRA says the law only allows police to contract out their management if a broken-down vehicle has been involved in a crime, or is causing an obstruction or danger.
In its letter to the Chief Constables it says "We should ask for an assurance that the remainder of the vehicle recovery work (stranded motorists) will be left on the rota basis currently in use."
The letter is the latest step in the campaign by operators to stop the AA and RAC from taking over the rota schemes. Last month the High Court refused a judicial review of the legality of police forces contracting out recovery management.
So far more than 10 forces have contracted out their breakdown rota management, following recommendations from the Association of Chief Police Officers.
1Kent police have called in the Police Complaints Authority to investigate the implementation and operation of the AA-managed scheme in the county. Since its start in August last year the number of garages in use has fallen from 115 to 25, sparking off demonstrations among local operators.