Driver stopped by police after patching up car with flowery wallpaper

Ross McGuinness
The Silver Toyota Yaris with wallpaper used to plug a hole in the bodywork. Photo released February 5 2024. See SWNS story SWMRpaper. A driver has been pulled over by police after fixing his smashed-up car – with wallpaper.Hilarious photos show how the motorist had used parcel tape and the flower-themed lining to hide a huge hole in the bodywork of his Silver Toyota Yaris hatchback.Stunned officers who spotted the baffling bodge job while checking vehicles in Bradford, West Yorks, called the car the “highlight of the evening”.They said the motor had previously been banned from driving by the Driving Standards Agency - and added that its owner was reported for its terrible condition.
The Silver Toyota Yaris with wallpaper used to cover a hole in the bodywork. (SWNS) (West Yorkshire Police / SWNS)

A driver has been pulled over by police for being behind the wheel of a car that was patched up with wallpaper.

The Silver Toyota Yaris was stopped by officers in Bradford, West Yorkshire, while they were checking vehicles on Saturday evening.

Pictures of the car show that a large hole in its right side passenger panel was covered up with flowery wallpaper and attached with brown sticky tape.

The Silver Toyota Yaris with wallpaper used to plug a hole in the bodywork. Photo released February 5 2024. See SWNS story SWMRpaper. A driver has been pulled over by police after fixing his smashed-up car – with wallpaper.Hilarious photos show how the motorist had used parcel tape and the flower-themed lining to hide a huge hole in the bodywork of his Silver Toyota Yaris hatchback.Stunned officers who spotted the baffling bodge job while checking vehicles in Bradford, West Yorks, called the car the “highlight of the evening”.They said the motor had previously been banned from driving by the Driving Standards Agency - and added that its owner was reported for its terrible condition.
A driver patched up their damaged car with wallpaper and brown tape. (SWNS) (West Yorkshire Police / SWNS)

The vehicle was stopped by officers from West Yorkshire Police's Steerside Enforcement team, which works across Bradford to take "positive action against anyone whose driving falls below the required standard".

On Saturday evening, the team was working with Bradford Council's taxi licensing and enforcement department and the and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to check if vehicles were roadworthy.

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More Yorkshire stories - click above

In a post on Facebook and Twitter, formerly X, the team wrote: "Highlight of the evening was this Yaris.

"Yes that is wallpaper and brown parcel tape covering accident damage from the day before.

"It was prohibited from being driven by DVSA and the driver was reported for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition and a bald tyre."

Facebook users praised the police for taking the vehicle off the road, while some joked about the state of the car.

One user wrote: "Talk about papering over the cracks!"

Another said: "That's some DIY job with the wallpaper."

The Silver Toyota Yaris with wallpaper used to plug a hole in the bodywork. Photo released February 5 2024. See SWNS story SWMRpaper. A driver has been pulled over by police after fixing his smashed-up car – with wallpaper.Hilarious photos show how the motorist had used parcel tape and the flower-themed lining to hide a huge hole in the bodywork of his Silver Toyota Yaris hatchback.Stunned officers who spotted the baffling bodge job while checking vehicles in Bradford, West Yorks, called the car the “highlight of the evening”.They said the motor had previously been banned from driving by the Driving Standards Agency - and added that its owner was reported for its terrible condition.
This is what the car looked like with the wallpaper removed. (SWNS) (West Yorkshire Police / SWNS)

The police said a number of private hire taxis and other vehicles were taken off the road after inspections, while some drivers were caught using mobile phones while driving, driving without insurance or failing to wear a seatbelt. One driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

How to check your vehicle is safe to drive

According to the government, drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicle is always safe to drive, or roadworthy.

A vehicle can be unsafe even if it has a current MOT certificate, and motorists can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and receive three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Motorists should check the windscreens, windows and mirrors are clean and that all lights and brakes are working.

They should also monitor engine oil, brake fluid level, the battery and tyres on their vehicle.

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