A Dover man, who escaped unhurt from a motorbike accident, is outraged to have had to pay £150 to have his bike recovered.

Jef Chittenden, of Dryden Road, Dover, claimed the police told him it would be taken to safety, free of charge under “police powers” and was astonished when he had to foot the bill.

Mr Chittenden travelled through Thorndon Woods on Monday, July 14, between Canterbury and Herne Bay when the back of his bike slid out when turning a corner. He then fell onto nearby gravel.

“I was on my back and told not to move,” said Mr Chittenden, who is now recovering.

“I was panicking about damage to my leg.”

Mr Chittenden was taken to the QEQM hospital in Margate where it was confirmed that his leg wasn’t broken.

The 30-year-old got his motorbike back from recovery yesterday.

The agency worker has taken his case as far as Kent Police Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes - but he said all replies have stated it is just general police policy.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “When a vehicle is seized under police powers a fee will be payable to the recovery company that takes it.

“If I didn’t think my leg was broken I would have gone and sat on my bike - I was in no fit state to give them permission to take my bike" - Jef Chittenden

“Police will seize vehicles for a number of reasons, in this instance they were concerned that the bike may be stolen if it were left in situ.”

The spokesman added: “Mr Chittenden, after speaking with the officer, did not wish to make a complaint.”

Mr Chittenden added: “If I didn’t think my leg was broken I would have gone and sat on my bike - I was in no fit state to give them permission to take my bike.

“The paramedics were amazing. The service they provided was top notch and they put me at ease when I was panicking and made me feel more relaxed.”