The Met Police is looking into a video of one of its marked vans allegedly hitting a parked car and driving off. The 11-second video shows a van driving down a residential road in Upton Park, East London, last Sunday (March 17) before crashing violently into a white sports car.
The van then stops momentarily with its hazard lights on, before switching them off and continuing driving. A Met Police spokesperson said: “We’re aware of a video showing a police van colliding with a parked car in Upton Park on Sunday, March 17. Our driving standards unit is carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances.”
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What to do if you hit a parked car
Do not drive away – even if it’s a tiny skim. This is because Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act demands that you must stop if you’re driving the car that’s damaged another vehicle, property, or if you’ve injured a person or certain animals.
Similarly, you are legally required to exchange contact details with the other vehicle’s owner. If the car is parked, chances are it’s empty. If this is the case, write a note including your name, number plate, your address, and your phone number. Leave the note somewhere secure – typically under the windscreen wiper.
Ensure you’ve taken some notes too. These can include where the incident happened, the time, as well as the weather. It’s also advisable to note the car’s make and model, colour and number plate for your own records. And if you have your phone with you, take pictures of the damage on both your own and the other car.
You legally don’t have to notify The Met if you’ve exchanged details with the owner. But if the car is parked then police need to be told within 24 hours. This can be done simply by calling 101, and supplying your name, contact details and other information about the accident.
You must also let your insurer know – even if you don’t plan on claiming. This is because not reporting an accident can compromise your cover, plus it makes the process easier if your insurer has information before the owner of the parked car claims.
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