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Some advice needed please.

A contract company are doing some roadworks outside our flat as I type. This was decided at 3pm this afternoon (apparently) and when I came home from work (on foot) I noticed that some yellow "no parking" cones had been placed on the pavement next to about 4 cars, one of them being mine. At this point there was no roadworks going on. I had a look at the signpost where a big yellow notice is on display saying "Parking Suspension" and the piece of paper that was stuck to it stated 8th Feb 2008 for one day. I then thought "bloody kids" and went home. About 30 mins ago we heard some noise outside so looked out the window and Neil noticed that my car had been moved up the road about 5 car lengths. I put my shoes and coat on and marched down 6 flights of stairs to pay a visit to the workmen. After finding out that my car had been moved by a crane and a flatbed truck without my authority I vented at the supervisor there and took a few names and telephone numbers. Does anyone know if moving my car without my say-so is against the law? I would understand if there were notices put up but all there was was a few cones that were on the pavement and that I assumed were put there by mischievous little tykes. I shall be writing a letter conveying my disgruntlement to the contractors and to my local council.

That is just not on . up here if they are going to work on your road then they send you a letter WEEKS before, asking to move all cars for a certain date!!!    i would go mad >

Lorna,

Potentially Interfering with a motor vehicle is the offence, unless any damage has been caused. However, normal procedure for such things is for cones to be placed and a notice put in position. Vehicles at the location 'should' be noted that they were there when the notice was placed, anyone parking there after this time could be subject to a penalty notice. If the works are legitimate and prior warning is given, then Councils or the Police may move a vehicle if it is causing an obstruction. No come back for the owner, as long as they can prove steps were taken to warn residents that work was due to take place and no damage is caused.

From what you have outlined, it appears they may have had the right to move your car. Very annoying I know, but we as the public do not 'own' the highways and only have a right to use them, as long as we comply with legal obligations (insurance, tax etc).

GG

I vaguely remember something about this on Watchdog ages ago, where peoples' cars had been impounded. It turned out they can do it, but it came down to how much notice was given on the notices posted as to whether it was legal or not. It could be different from area to area.

Sorry Lorna but given what you have told us you are on a loser here. Your argument as to the rights and wrongs is that you assumed it was mischievous kids who had put the sign up but as we now now it was a legitimate suspension of parking which was correctly signposted because your argument would say you saw it. I would just take it out on Neil if I were you.
If there was no damage to your car I would put it down to experience.

ooo bloody hell !  its them and us sometimes isnt it Lorna !  good luck !