Edinburgh motorist refuses to have his car impounded

17 June 2010

Edinburgh's parking wardens are infamous throughout the city for their no mercy attitude towards parking offences but an Edinburgh man took them on this week - and won.

Johnny Higgins, who drives a Range Rover Sport, saw his car about to be lifted on to a flatbed truck and impounded for overstaying in a parking bay for 40 minutes.

Mr Higgins was faced with a £150 fine to get his car back from the impound lot but the quick thinking driver hopped into the car and refused to move, beginning a one hour standoff with police and traffic wardens.

The police took the decision to release Mr Higgin's car from the truck and he was allowed on his way. However, before leaving he was handed a £30 ticket - saving him a £150 release fee and a trip to the city impound.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Council said: "As soon as the wheels leave the ground it is impounded but we can't tow a car with a person inside."

Although in this case the motorist won, it's important to remember than when renting a car in Edinburgh the parking rules apply to everybody.

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