Bad Drivers Beware: The ‘Tow’Ninator Is Here

As new trials continue, millions of motorists around the UK could have their vehicles snatched by robots for failing to comply with the law. 

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have warned drivers that robots are being used to remove cars parked illegally or have failed to pay for a ticket. 

Recent videos have appeared online showing cars being towed away in Liverpool by remote-controlled robots. 

Last year, almost 20,000 parking fines were issued every day by UK councils, and private companies gave 30,000 for breaking parking rules.

Common reasons motorists can be fined include parking illegally in disabled bays, on double yellow lines, in a permit space without a valid permit or over the proper parking time.

Millions of tickets are issued to drivers every year for failing to comply with basic parking rules, and it seems the hefty fine is not enough of a deterrent. 

Now, robots have been deployed in parts of the country to tackle the poor parking problem common among motorists. 

Initially built by French company Multitract, a robot named Eastract has been spotted in Liverpool removing illegally parked cars.  

Towing company Recovery North West (RNW), which specialises in towing heavy equipment, manages the innovation.

The robot can carry a weight of 5,500 pounds, just under the weight of two Ford Fiestas, and is powered by a 35-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine. 

It has been implemented in multi-storey car parks because it can easily pick up and remove problem cars in tightly restricted spaces. 

With revenue in the robotics market projected to reach 1 billion pounds this year, the UK should brace for increased integration of innovations like Eastract. 

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Millions of motorists receive tickets and fines for illegal and destructive parking every day in the UK.

“Rolling out robots nationwide to deal with the parking problem should make dodgy drivers think twice before parking in disabled spaces illegally or dumping their cars and overstaying their welcome. 

“The robots can carry huge weights and manoeuvre in tightly restricted spaces, so they are perfect for dealing with nuisance drivers. 

“Drones are currently being used to deal with dangerous driving by Devon and Cornwall police forces, so with the robotic industry growing, we can expect more innovations like Eastract to be introduced across the UK. 

“Drivers should be extra cautious when parking, especially in multi-storey car parks and in the northwest travelling around Liverpool, where the scheme is being trialled.

“To avoid being put in a situation where a robot is towing your car away, you must follow the parking rules displayed and pay for the correct ticket.”