Unclaimed seized vehicles destined to be scrapped will instead be donated to help support students in a mechanics course.
Thames Valley Police donated ten vehicles to Abingdon and Witney College as part of a new initiative with Egerton’s Recovery.
The cars which are not in a condition to return to the roads, will help enrich the college students learning environment by providing them with hands on experience with a variety of makes, models and conditions of vehicles.
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At the end of each term at the college, the vehicles will be collected by Egerton’s and be disposed of in the normal way through the Police recovery scheme, a new batch will then be delivered for the next term.
Dr Samantha Borret, curriculum manager at Abingdon & Witney College, said: “We are thrilled to be able to receive this support from Thames Valley Police and Egertons recovery. This opportunity will allow Abingdon and Witney students to learn and practice their mechanical skills on a variety of different makes and models of cars and vehicles. This will give them a strong base of knowledge to take into their careers and also benefit the local economy.”
Breakdown recovery company Egertons is hoping the donations will inspires pupils to join the roadside and recovery sector in the future.
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Mike Keeley, Egertons regional operations manager said: “Egertons Recovery Group are proud to be involved in this initiative. On a recent site visit, it was good to see the passion from within the college towards their work. It was clear the college would benefit from a regular supply of vehicles to keep the students interested and involved with a variety vehicles.
“To be able to supply vehicles for the future generations can only have a positive impact on training the candidates choosing the motor trade sector as their chosen career. Perhaps in a few years these pupils may even join the roadside and recovery sector themselves.”
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Jude Pollock, Team Leader for the Vehicle Recovery Unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “This is a wonderful example of where we can work with our partners to help support our local community. These vehicles have been seized as a result of no license or insurance and have little purpose before being sent to be scrapped. This initiative now gives them a new lease of life to help provide a better learning experience for the future generation of budding engineers and mechanics.
“I can see the huge benefits this will have on the overall student experience, and I hope this is an initiative that can be replicated in time in other areas across the force.”
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