The owners of cars towed away for blocking Wisbech war memorial ahead of the town’s Armistice Day service were fined £150, it has been revealed. 

Police removed the two vehicles parked illegally on The Crescent and Union Place before the November 11 event attended by Steve Barclay, the MP and Health Secretary.  

It has since emerged both vehicles were later collected on the same day.  

JS Holmes, based in Wisbech St Mary, handled the recovery on behalf of the AA which manages the police recovery scheme in Cambridgeshire.  

He said: “On this occasion, both owners had to pay a statutory removal fee of £150 for each of these two cars.”  

Police highlighted the issue on the Policing Fenland Facebook page, warning residents another service would also be taking place two days later on Remembrance Sunday.  

It said: “Due to [the vehicles] causing an obstruction and not parked in a correct parking bay they were recovered under police powers.   

“Please can we park in the correct bays and not park where we like.” 

Parking in Wisbech town centre is a controversial issue, with many residents commenting on the post urging officers to ‘crack down’ on problem parkers.  

One said: “Just a thought… 

“If you cracked down more often like this, instead of on just one day of the year, maybe you would also reduce more serious crime? 

“It may make people realise they can’t break any law, not just the more serious ones…” 

To which, police responded: “Due to the nature of our work, we cannot always carry out parking enforcement around town, however fixed penalty notices have been issued on a daily basis by officers when we can.”  

Officers were able to use their statutory powers last Friday to remove the two vehicles.  

Fenland District Council is currently going through the processes of taking over parking enforcement, and this should be in place within two years.  

The Cambridgeshire Police website outlines what owners need to do if their vehicle is impounded.  

Often, a notice letter will be sent when the vehicle is ready for collection with details of where it is being kept.  

To get the vehicle back, the owner must show identification and pay any statutory charges.  

It is suggested to also bring a valid V5C log book in their name or new keeper slip, a valid insurance certificate, driving licence and valid MOT certificate.  

The website explains that if someone doesn’t want to reclaim the vehicle, no further action is needed.

“We will dispose of [the vehicle] in 14 days,” the website says.