Police donate seized cars to staff and students at Truro College
The unclaimed vehicles will contribute to the learning experience for automotive students
Unclaimed cars which have been seized by Devon and Cornwall Police have been donated to staff and students of Truro College to assist with automotive studies.
Truro College contacted Devon & Cornwall Police last year to explore the possibility of utilising recovered cars to enhance the learning experience of automotive students. This came after a similar initiative in Dorset gained widespread media attention.
Road Casualty Reduction Officers at Devon & Cornwall Police worked with the Force Vehicle Recovery team to identify 3 vehicles, that were seized for various reasons and never re-claimed, to donate to the automotive department at Truro College.
On Thursday 16 January, a Skoda Fabia, a Honda Civic and a Citroen C3 - with a range of specifications - were delivered to the college, and the Road Casualty Reduction team delivered a road safety presentation to students.
Sgt Owen Messenger of the Roads Policing Team said: “The donated vehicles have been seized for a number of reasons, including no license or no insurance.
“Working in partnership with colleges in Devon and Cornwall allows us to give the vehicles a new purpose and contributes to a better learning experience for automotive students.
“We’re dedicated to working with young drivers and providing essential road safety education. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for the team to build and strengthen relationships with young drivers and we’re looking forward to continuing this valuable work.”
Phil Hanson, Motor vehicle lecturer at Truro and Penwith College added: “The kind donation of these vehicles allows our students to engage directly with real-world automotive systems, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the motor vehicle industry.
“Furthermore, the road safety awareness talks delivered by the police have been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of road safety and legal compliance within the industry. These sessions not only educate our students but also inspire them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their future roles.
“This collaboration is a perfect example of how educational institutions and law enforcement can work together to benefit the community. By forging strong links with our motor vehicle cohort, Devon and Cornwall Police are helping to shape responsible, safety-conscious professionals who will carry these values into their careers.”
Devon & Cornwall Police recovered 1886 vehicles in 2024, and the introduction of this initiative will allow the force to re-direct cars from the scrap heap to the classroom.
The Road Casualty Reduction team will continue to collaborate with colleges across Devon and Cornwall, looking explore further opportunities to provide valuable support and education to students and young drivers.