The idea of using the internet is part of a joint initiative by the city council, the police and fire service in a bid to tackle the problem of abandoned vehicles in the city.
Members of the public can also use the new system – Abandoned Vehicle Reporting System (AVRS) – to check on the status of vehicles previously reported. And even if people don’t have access to the internet from their own homes, they can use the council’s “IT in the community information kiosks” situated in libraries and other public buildings, and still report the matter at council offices and by phone.
Bristol’s AVRS is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. The system allows members of the public to give details about the vehicle’s registration, make, model and colour, and comment on its appearance and its exact location. The council says this will help council officers to deal quickly with the problem.
The AVRS also contains pages explaining the process for dealing with vehicles that have been apparently abandoned, as well as advice and notes for vehicle owners and landowners who may wish to use the service.
Councillor Celia Lukins, Bristol’s Executive Member for Neighbourhood and Housing Services, said: “The council deals with a staggering 3,000 abandoned vehicles a year, that’s a nearly 60 cars per week. The Abandoned Vehicle Reporting System will help us respond more effectively and quickly to reported incidents of vehicles being abandoned and give members of the public in Bristol a better, more efficient service.
“The easy-to-follow, on-screen-instructions means no special computer skills are required, so members of the public can use the system with confidence.”
Register for free to comment