The government said today that until January 2007, last owners of vehicles will remain responsible and that local authorities will receive extra funds if they incur additional costs because of rising bills from abandoned vehicles.
The key statement came from Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who told the Commons: “Until 2007, and the introduction of producer responsibility for vehicles sold before 1 July 2002, 'last owners' will continue to be responsible for the disposal of their vehicles, and will be free to negotiate their end-values with treatment facilities.”
She added: “Additional costs incurred by local authorities as a consequence of the transposition and implementation of the Directive would, under the 'New Burdens' arrangements, fall to be met by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Secondhand
The Secretary of State also indicated that the value of secondhand cars may fall as a consequence of the government's decision. This would be because of the fact that last owners will remain responsible for their cars and they are likely to face higher bills from treatment facilities which have to work to much higher environmental standards.
The government decision was taken to allow UK vehicle manufacturers to compete on level terms with firms in Europe in the period before producer responsibility is introduced by the EU directive in 2007. Steve Franklin, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders told letsrecycle.com: “We're pleased it's gone in line with the European directive and that there won't be a disadvantage compared with France and Germany – it's important for manufacturing in the UK.”
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