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Polish Cars
A LOT has been said about the rights and wrongs of the Polish immigrants but in the West End of Crewe, where we have more than our fair share of Polish, I noticed that none of their BMW's, Audi's etc have any tax. Most of the owners of these cars have been here for months and work and live in the area. I got Council Leader Councillor Brian Silvester to ask the police what the situation is and the reply from the police may shock you.
Acting Inspector Paul Broadhurst of Crewe NPU said: "Re Polish cars, this is a complex area but to summarise if a polish national is here as a visitor (includes those here working) they can drive for 12 months without any requirement for UK documentation. If they go back home for a few weeks when they come back the 12 month starts again.
"If a polish national becomes a UK resident and is eligible to vote etc then they must comply with our legislation, including obtaining a UK licence and any relevant documentation for a vehicle ie tax, MOT etc."
AI Broadhurst said that Polish visitors must however have documentation from their own country and it would be illegal if they could not produce this.
But it appears from this that if they go home on holiday every year they can get away with having no tax or MOT for ever. This mean their cars may not be road worthy by our standards and if they hit you can't trace them as they are not on the DVLA.
It makes me wonder what other quirks of the law apply to the polish? What do you think?
1:46pm Thursday 19th April 2007
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CommentPosted by: Richard Seamon, Crewe on 2:12pm Tue 8 May 07
To be fair Jan, whenever I go abroad, I don't pay road tax in the host country either. There are also rather more cars on the road belonging to UK residents that are untaxed, uninsured and not MOTd. Also, as yet I have not been overtaken by a Polish BMW outside the Rising Sun on Middlewich Rd nor along Victoria Avenue, 200 yards from the junction with West Street - both of which happened to me last week and both cars bore UK plates. The drivers in the Crewe area are the worst I've ever seen anywhere in this country, and that includes 6 years facing the traffic at the Dartford Crossing. In fact, the worst Polish driver I've seen recently was one using a mobile phone while not wearing a seatbelt while leaving the Tesco's car park. Of course, the law-abiding British drivers never do that, ever, not even when they're careering a 36 ton Mornflake Oats bulk carrier round the Oak Street roundabout. You can be rest assured that those "quirks" of the law apply to everyone, not least the Poles. I don't know why the Chron is allowing these frankly rather pointless and bigoted views to sully its pages.
To be fair Jan, whenever I go abroad, I don't pay road tax in the host country either. There are also rather more cars on the road belonging to UK residents that are untaxed, uninsured and not MOTd. Also, as yet I have not been overtaken by a Polish BMW outside the Rising Sun on Middlewich Rd nor along Victoria Avenue, 200 yards from the junction with West Street - both of which happened to me last week and both cars bore UK plates. The drivers in the Crewe area are the worst I've ever seen anywhere in this country, and that includes 6 years facing the traffic at the Dartford Crossing. In fact, the worst Polish driver I've seen recently was one using a mobile phone while not wearing a seatbelt while leaving the Tesco's car park. Of course, the law-abiding British drivers never do that, ever, not even when they're careering a 36 ton Mornflake Oats bulk carrier round the Oak Street roundabout. You can be rest assured that those "quirks" of the law apply to everyone, not least the Poles. I don't know why the Chron is allowing these frankly rather pointless and bigoted views to sully its pages.
Posted by: Richard Seamon, Crewe on 2:16pm Tue 8 May 07
I do beg your pardon, read Guardian instead of the opposition.
I do beg your pardon, read Guardian instead of the opposition.
Posted by: Gordan, Crewe on 12:44am Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][italic]whenever I go abroad, I don't pay road tax in the host country either.[/italic] [/quote] This may be the case, but the question is, do you live and work in the host country or are you there simply for a holiday ? also, i presume that you have Motor Vehicle Insurance that covers you in the event of an accident abroad ? where do English drivers stand if they are hit by an un-insured polish driver in this country ? maybe you should ask the 5 residents of Brooklyn Street that recently lost there vehicles due to a un-insured polish driver driving under the influence ?
whenever I go abroad, I don't pay road tax in the host country either.
This may be the case, but the question is, do you live and work in the host country or are you there simply for a holiday ? also, i presume that you have Motor Vehicle Insurance that covers you in the event of an accident abroad ? where do English drivers stand if they are hit by an un-insured polish driver in this country ? maybe you should ask the 5 residents of Brooklyn Street that recently lost there vehicles due to a un-insured polish driver driving under the influence ?
Posted by: Sharon J, Crewe on 1:05pm Tue 24 Jul 07
Just for the record, when my vehicle was hit and written off by a joyrider avoiding a police block that had been erected almost right outside my house, I received no compensation. The police insisted it wasn't their fault and as the joyriders were never caught, I couldn't claim from them either. No doubt the Polish vehicles in question are adding to the problem to a slight degree but on the whole I think it's British drivers we need to be worrying about.
However, that said I'd still agree that the term for keeping a vehicle uninusured etc in the UK should be much shorter (3 months perhaps). I lived in Norway for many years and there I believe the rule was 6 months and then you'd have to take the vehicle out of the country for 6 months before it could be brought in for a new term.
Just for the record, when my vehicle was hit and written off by a joyrider avoiding a police block that had been erected almost right outside my house, I received no compensation. The police insisted it wasn't their fault and as the joyriders were never caught, I couldn't claim from them either. No doubt the Polish vehicles in question are adding to the problem to a slight degree but on the whole I think it's British drivers we need to be worrying about.
However, that said I'd still agree that the term for keeping a vehicle uninusured etc in the UK should be much shorter (3 months perhaps). I lived in Norway for many years and there I believe the rule was 6 months and then you'd have to take the vehicle out of the country for 6 months before it could be brought in for a new term.
Posted by: Rob, Crewe on 11:00am Mon 27 Aug 07
Mind you I had an English driver run into me about a year ago,she produced a certificate of insurance but when I went to claim her insurer said her policy was terminated 4 months ago, when I was left with the repair bill I tried to contact the girl but the address she gave me and the police was false and the Police said they need a letter from my solicitor saying she is uninsured which would have cost me another £250.00 because I did not have legal cover.So before you get on the Poles about driving without insurance I suggest you iron out the flaws in your procedures first.
Mind you I had an English driver run into me about a year ago,she produced a certificate of insurance but when I went to claim her insurer said her policy was terminated 4 months ago, when I was left with the repair bill I tried to contact the girl but the address she gave me and the police was false and the Police said they need a letter from my solicitor saying she is uninsured which would have cost me another £250.00 because I did not have legal cover.So before you get on the Poles about driving without insurance I suggest you iron out the flaws in your procedures first.
Posted by: Teresa, Notts on 5:44pm Thu 6 Sep 07
Why can't road tax be abolished and put on fuel prices? That would solve foreigners and their car tax - although, not their MOT and insurance!
Why can't road tax be abolished and put on fuel prices? That would solve foreigners and their car tax - although, not their MOT and insurance!
Posted by: Andy, Luton on 1:21pm Sat 8 Sep 07
Hi
In Luton right next to the Airport we see many Polish cars. I think it is a disgrace that Polish peoples can come into our country and not have to abide by our laws. Then take all our housing, Doctors, and Jobs.
Hi
In Luton right next to the Airport we see many Polish cars. I think it is a disgrace that Polish peoples can come into our country and not have to abide by our laws. Then take all our housing, Doctors, and Jobs.
Posted by: Dan, Warsaw on 12:06am Sat 15 Sep 07
As an Englishman living in Poland, I would like to point out that the tax is included in the petrol in Poland and the insurance is valid for the UK (though like many foreigners cars all over the world, irrelevant of nationality people do occasionally let it run out - not good).
Another law which is quite different is that cars not people have the right of way at Zebra crossings, therefore the person must wait until the road is clear and the cars don't need to slow down.
For quite some time, there was a road tax for foreign cars which had to be paid when entering Poland, despite the signs at the borders many foreigners (mostly from Western Europe), didn't purchase the tax and then got in to trouble with police.
Something should be done to either make people more aware of the laws in different countries or to agree an EU wide rule which would stop confusion.
Basic insurance is the only legal requirement you need to drive abroad but it doesn't mean you are covered for car accidents or theft.
As an Englishman living in Poland, I would like to point out that the tax is included in the petrol in Poland and the insurance is valid for the UK (though like many foreigners cars all over the world, irrelevant of nationality people do occasionally let it run out - not good).
Another law which is quite different is that cars not people have the right of way at Zebra crossings, therefore the person must wait until the road is clear and the cars don't need to slow down.
For quite some time, there was a road tax for foreign cars which had to be paid when entering Poland, despite the signs at the borders many foreigners (mostly from Western Europe), didn't purchase the tax and then got in to trouble with police.
Something should be done to either make people more aware of the laws in different countries or to agree an EU wide rule which would stop confusion.
Basic insurance is the only legal requirement you need to drive abroad but it doesn't mean you are covered for car accidents or theft.
Posted by: Sebastian, northampton on 7:58pm Sat 20 Oct 07
hello everybody!
I'm the one of that polish drivers you're just talking about. I'm kind of fresh in UK (I spent most of my life in Poland ;)) back to the topic- what happens when you really get hitted by Polish driver? have anyone of you had ever been hitted by polish driver? You really get no compenstation? I always thought that insurance companies are co-operating with each other. We've also got a lot of foreign drivers in Poland (Germans making shoppings, russians bringing petroil etc.), we don't mind them so much... living a free world.. do you mind polish drivers, workers or people? I think it's some different issue than TAX or sth. we wouldn't be here if there wasn't a job for us ;) when you'll hire yourselves in warehouses ang other **** places, having higher degree, you'll find out that we're gone unemployed. no offence, I just had two lagers ;) kind regards :D
hello everybody!
I'm the one of that polish drivers you're just talking about. I'm kind of fresh in UK (I spent most of my life in Poland ;)) back to the topic- what happens when you really get hitted by Polish driver? have anyone of you had ever been hitted by polish driver? You really get no compenstation? I always thought that insurance companies are co-operating with each other. We've also got a lot of foreign drivers in Poland (Germans making shoppings, russians bringing petroil etc.), we don't mind them so much... living a free world.. do you mind polish drivers, workers or people? I think it's some different issue than TAX or sth. we wouldn't be here if there wasn't a job for us ;) when you'll hire yourselves in warehouses ang other **** places, having higher degree, you'll find out that we're gone unemployed. no offence, I just had two lagers ;) kind regards :D
Posted by: Carla, Lincoln UK on 9:27pm Sun 20 Jan 08
[quote][bold]Dan[/bold] wrote:
As an Englishman living in Poland, I would like to point out that the tax is included in the petrol in Poland and the insurance is valid for the UK (though like many foreigners cars all over the world, irrelevant of nationality people do occasionally let it run out - not good). Another law which is quite different is that cars not people have the right of way at Zebra crossings, therefore the person must wait until the road is clear and the cars don't need to slow down. For quite some time, there was a road tax for foreign cars which had to be paid when entering Poland, despite the signs at the borders many foreigners (mostly from Western Europe), didn't purchase the tax and then got in to trouble with police. Something should be done to either make people more aware of the laws in different countries or to agree an EU wide rule which would stop confusion. Basic insurance is the only legal requirement you need to drive abroad but it doesn't mean you are covered for car accidents or theft.[/quote] Fair enough each country has its own driving laws, but when other countries are coming into England to live they should have to take some kind of driving lessons making them aware of our laws. It is disgusting that they are coming here, causing accidents and not even being registered with DVLA/Police leaving us out of pocket with our insurance companies.
The rule for Polish cars being able to drive on our roads for 6 months with no tax etc is pathetic, do we not have to pay for 6 months road tax at a time? Just another way inwhich our goverment is doing more for other countries rather than our own!!!
Dan wrote:
As an Englishman living in Poland, I would like to point out that the tax is included in the petrol in Poland and the insurance is valid for the UK (though like many foreigners cars all over the world, irrelevant of nationality people do occasionally let it run out - not good). Another law which is quite different is that cars not people have the right of way at Zebra crossings, therefore the person must wait until the road is clear and the cars don't need to slow down. For quite some time, there was a road tax for foreign cars which had to be paid when entering Poland, despite the signs at the borders many foreigners (mostly from Western Europe), didn't purchase the tax and then got in to trouble with police. Something should be done to either make people more aware of the laws in different countries or to agree an EU wide rule which would stop confusion. Basic insurance is the only legal requirement you need to drive abroad but it doesn't mean you are covered for car accidents or theft.
Fair enough each country has its own driving laws, but when other countries are coming into England to live they should have to take some kind of driving lessons making them aware of our laws. It is disgusting that they are coming here, causing accidents and not even being registered with DVLA/Police leaving us out of pocket with our insurance companies.
The rule for Polish cars being able to drive on our roads for 6 months with no tax etc is pathetic, do we not have to pay for 6 months road tax at a time? Just another way inwhich our goverment is doing more for other countries rather than our own!!!
Posted by: Jim on 4:39pm Mon 4 Feb 08
I travel often between the UK and the continent, as I now live abroad. As a Brit. with a Brit plate I don't have to pay a road tax outside the UK, but what we do have to pay often are road tolls. The best system I think is far for all it what Austria do, and that is every vehicle driving on it's roads has to purchase a sticker from 1 week on up to a year (they also have a couple of toll tunnels). A system like this would then cover all the Polish and other nationalities, plus us Brits. Hungary, Chech and other new members states have a similar requirments when driving on their roads. You can buy this sticker at any petrol station. They then have these sensers on the roads that I gather can spot those who try to skip the road tax sticker. Also, in all countries outside the UK if the police give you a fine you have to pay it on the spot. I believe the Brit. police do not, thus allowing foreign drivers to get out of paying.
I travel often between the UK and the continent, as I now live abroad. As a Brit. with a Brit plate I don't have to pay a road tax outside the UK, but what we do have to pay often are road tolls. The best system I think is far for all it what Austria do, and that is every vehicle driving on it's roads has to purchase a sticker from 1 week on up to a year (they also have a couple of toll tunnels). A system like this would then cover all the Polish and other nationalities, plus us Brits. Hungary, Chech and other new members states have a similar requirments when driving on their roads. You can buy this sticker at any petrol station. They then have these sensers on the roads that I gather can spot those who try to skip the road tax sticker. Also, in all countries outside the UK if the police give you a fine you have to pay it on the spot. I believe the Brit. police do not, thus allowing foreign drivers to get out of paying.
Posted by: Bikersteve, UK on 2:36am Mon 25 Feb 08
For anyone hit by an uninsured driver or a hit and run.You should put a claim in with the criminal injuries board.Insurence companies pay into this(so you do) to cover these accidents.And by the way even if every driver was insured you would still pay into this.
For anyone hit by an uninsured driver or a hit and run.You should put a claim in with the criminal injuries board.Insurence companies pay into this(so you do) to cover these accidents.And by the way even if every driver was insured you would still pay into this.
Posted by: louise on 3:17pm Thu 27 Mar 08
the law is a total ****. i am so sick of the uk. im gonna join the bnp..english people need to come first in the uk.
the law is a total ****. i am so sick of the uk. im gonna join the bnp..english people need to come first in the uk.
Posted by: sebastian, surrey on 2:29pm Sat 12 Apr 08
Hi all!
I'm another polish driver.I trying to understan why you talk about polish drivers when some of you UK drivers don't
stop on red lights, fiting false number plates,driving after beer or drugs and don't pay tax too. Once my car was hit by UK driver with out even sorry.I'd like to pay tax but then I have to reg.my car and pay insurance in UK and it's 4600gbp because that will be my 1st car in this country and LHD.In PL I pay 600gbp 4 same car and my car is insured in all EU :)
See U on[quote]quote[/quote] road
Hi all!
I'm another polish driver.I trying to understan why you talk about polish drivers when some of you UK drivers don't
stop on red lights, fiting false number plates,driving after beer or drugs and don't pay tax too. Once my car was hit by UK driver with out even sorry.I'd like to pay tax but then I have to reg.my car and pay insurance in UK and it's 4600gbp because that will be my 1st car in this country and LHD.In PL I pay 600gbp 4 same car and my car is insured in all EU :)
See U on
quote
road
Posted by: jennifer on 10:47pm Wed 23 Apr 08
[quote][bold]louise[/bold] wrote:
the law is a total ****. i am so sick of the uk. im gonna join the bnp..english people need to come first in the uk. [/quote] GOOD 4 U IM GONNA VOTE 4 THEM 2,WE SHOULD COME FIRST,AND AS 4 THE POLISH GO BACK HOME!bnp SHOULD GET IN THEN US ENGLISH CAN AND WILL COME FIRST im sick 2 death of whats happening 2 ower country.[bold]bold[/bold]
louise wrote:
the law is a total ****. i am so sick of the uk. im gonna join the bnp..english people need to come first in the uk.
GOOD 4 U IM GONNA VOTE 4 THEM 2,WE SHOULD COME FIRST,AND AS 4 THE POLISH GO BACK HOME!bnp SHOULD GET IN THEN US ENGLISH CAN AND WILL COME FIRST im sick 2 death of whats happening 2 ower country.
Posted by: mr houghton, blackburn on 11:26pm Wed 30 Apr 08
IF I DIDNT PAY MY ROAD TAXS MY CAR WOULD BE TOOK AWAY.IF THEY DONT HAVE ROAD TAXS WHAT ABOUT MOT AND INSURANCE.IF YOUR CHILD GET HURT. HOW DO YOU CLAIM . PLEASE TELL ME THAT.
IF I DIDNT PAY MY ROAD TAXS MY CAR WOULD BE TOOK AWAY.IF THEY DONT HAVE ROAD TAXS WHAT ABOUT MOT AND INSURANCE.IF YOUR CHILD GET HURT. HOW DO YOU CLAIM . PLEASE TELL ME THAT.
Posted by: Ian on 9:19pm Mon 5 May 08
As a member of the Forces I have now twice imported a used car into the UK from 2 different EU countries, both times I have had 30 days to get the vehicle through an SVA test ( £155), MOT and Road Tax plus buy correct lights, MPH Dials and other items to make the cars to UK standard, please help me understand if I have to do this why another citizen who resides here and brings a car to the UK doesn't have to just because they say they drive back to there original country now and again. All I would like to know is who is Policing this and additionally surely if these vehicles are adding to road wear and tear then who is paying their road tax maybe thats why tax is so expensive now, to cover these extra exempt vehicles on our roads?
As a member of the Forces I have now twice imported a used car into the UK from 2 different EU countries, both times I have had 30 days to get the vehicle through an SVA test ( £155), MOT and Road Tax plus buy correct lights, MPH Dials and other items to make the cars to UK standard, please help me understand if I have to do this why another citizen who resides here and brings a car to the UK doesn't have to just because they say they drive back to there original country now and again. All I would like to know is who is Policing this and additionally surely if these vehicles are adding to road wear and tear then who is paying their road tax maybe thats why tax is so expensive now, to cover these extra exempt vehicles on our roads?
Posted by: Leszek, Luton on 9:36am Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Andy[/bold] wrote:
Hi In Luton right next to the Airport we see many Polish cars. I think it is a disgrace that Polish peoples can come into our country and not have to abide by our laws. Then take all our housing, Doctors, and Jobs.[/quote] First of all Polish people not peoples....next to the airport you see many Polish cars - is that a disgrace? i am a Pole and i work at the airport...next to it all i can see are english and **** cars....nothing else so stop moaning....and jobwise....if u're too stupid to take on all those positions..someone has to eventually.....kisse
s..xxx
Andy wrote:
Hi In Luton right next to the Airport we see many Polish cars. I think it is a disgrace that Polish peoples can come into our country and not have to abide by our laws. Then take all our housing, Doctors, and Jobs.
First of all Polish people not peoples....next to the airport you see many Polish cars - is that a disgrace? i am a Pole and i work at the airport...next to it all i can see are english and **** cars....nothing else so stop moaning....and jobwise....if u're too stupid to take on all those positions..someone has to eventually.....kisse
s..xxx
Posted by: ROY, blackburn on 12:12am Fri 9 May 08
if you are working at luton airport. and you meet a pole called LESZEK. Tell him if you want want to work in are country pay you way. road taxs and mot and very important.CAR INSURANCE.What you going to do when you kill a child. maybe a big joke to you.But not to us,its time for you to pay your way or go HOME.
if you are working at luton airport. and you meet a pole called LESZEK. Tell him if you want want to work in are country pay you way. road taxs and mot and very important.CAR INSURANCE.What you going to do when you kill a child. maybe a big joke to you.But not to us,its time for you to pay your way or go HOME.
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