Student fuming after car crushed

Ms Kemp's car was one of thousands impounded every year

A trainee teacher is struggling to get to her work placement after her car was removed and crushed when it broke down.

Charmaine Kemp's E-reg Renault 5, which had tax, insurance and an MOT was left parked legally in Milestone Road, Dartford, Kent when it failed to start.

"I'm fuming," said the student. "I earn £30 a week and can't possibly buy a new car. I feel violated by the council."

Kent County Council's Peter Horne said the car had been vandalised. "We have done nothing wrong," he said.

Council contractors

Ms Kemp left the car near her boyfriend's home over Christmas and arranged for a garage to collect it after the holiday.

When it disappeared she thought it had been stolen and reported the "theft" to the police.

Last week the police rang to say they had been informed the car had been towed away by council contractors.

"DVLA told us there was no reason for the car to be taken away," said Ms Kemp, who is now having to travel to Swanley by public transport at a cost of £25 a week.

Books inside

"It seems that someone at the council had a problem with the car there and decided to remove it.

"It had my trainers and shoes and lots and lots of books in it."

"I want compensation for the things I lost."

Mr Horne said if a car is thought to be abandoned a borough council officer puts a notice on it informing the owner it will be removed after seven days.

"The vehicle was badly damaged," he said.

"It was unlocked, it had been broken into and the side and rear windows were broken.

"There was severe damage to the inside."

He added that the car had no tax disc, which may have been stolen by thieves or vandals.