This resource is from the News section. This page contains press release 46/01, which contains a statement from the Chair concerning Bells liquidation announcement.

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Statement by Chair of the MPA following Bells liquidation announcement

46/01
5 July 2001

The Metropolitan Police Authority has been extremely concerned for some time about the management of the Bells vehicle removals contract and with service delivery, and is already carrying out its own investigation. This is now proceeding with some urgency.

In particular, the cost of operating the service has been excessive, costing us money instead of paying for itself through release fees, as had been anticipated when the contract was awarded to Bells in 1999.

It has come as no surprise, therefore, that the company has been put into liquidation by its parent, Vinci France, and we are now doing all we can to support the Metropolitan Police as they make every effort to reunite owners with the 4,000 vehicles currently held in Bells' compounds across London.

Arrangements are in hand by the Met to take over the removal of vehicles from Bells.

Notes to editors

Further media information

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