Flying Cars – Beware Car Park Barriers
AA Response
13 January 2009
The AA is advising motorists to be wary of car park barriers following an incident involving one of its patrol vans.
The footage has appeared on various video sharing websites and shows a member's car getting stuck on rising car park bollards after being towed through the open barrier on the back of an AA van.
AA patrols attend breakdowns in car parks every day and the patrol in question had received an assurance from the car park security team that the barriers would present no problems with the vehicle on tow.
Andy Taylor, AA patrol of the year, says: "Although we can appreciate the funny side of this, barriers come in all shapes and sizes, so if you are unsure, it's best to double-check with the operator that you're safe to proceed!"
Thankfully, both the member and the patrol were fine and the car only suffered minor damage.
The car park owner is investigating the incident.
The AA has also had reports of personal injury accidents at rising bollards on streets – people may be in error e.g. following buses into these areas – but these bollards can be dangerous. We've had reports of very expensive cars being written off too.
The Department for Transport publishes guidelines for use of rising bollards in public highways and these would be expected to be followed in any private use too.
Department for Transport guidance on rising bollards »
View the towing video on www.break.com »
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14 January 2009