Police makes £3.5m from roadside recoveries

Police forces across the UK have been raking in cash from arranging vehicle recovery after motorists have broken down on the roadside. Drivers who call police in their hour of need will pay a commission for their motor being picked up.

More than two thirds of the country's forces retain fees worth million of pounds when commissioning recovery companies to remove crashed or broken down vehicles, according to an investigation by car insurance provider swiftcover.com. And fees, which cover administration costs, have risen by 48% on average in the past two years, from £11.34 in 2009-10 to £16.87 in 2012. The highest charge is £33.26 levied by Greater Manchester police.