From 2007 onwards, the European ELV directive will see the costs for the disposal of end of life vehicles taken on by motor manufacturers. However, in a Commons debate, energy and construction minister Brian Wilson hinted that final owners would bear the burden until that date.
BMRA director general David Hulse said: “Last owners are generally the people least able to afford to pay, and this could encourage them to place their vehicles in the hands of unregistered and unlicensed operators, who may take them at a lower cost than properly licensed facilities because they will not be incurring the full processing costs of compliance with the directive.”
The association believes that if the minister’s indications prove correct, it will be more difficult promote the above-board vehicle disposal infrastructure needed to carry out the directive from 2007. Its view is shared by the Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association and the British Vehicle Salvage Federation.
Delays
The government has already angered the industry by delays in making a decision on the ELV issue, but it now appears to intend to protect vehicle manufacturers to the detriment of the national recycling infrastructure.
Mr Wilson told the House of Commons: “We are anxious that during that period [2002-06] we do not put British manufacturers at a disadvantage relative to manufacturers in other EU states.”
Vehicle manufacturers are understandably pleased that the government will not be bringing producer responsibility forward from the 2007 date.
Steve Franklin, of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, told letsrecycle.com that he believes the figures quoted by some unhappy with the situation before 2007 are over inflated. He said: “They're saying there are 350,000 people dumping cars, which is something I find hard to believe.”
It is estimated that around 2 million vehicles come to the end of their lives in the UK each year. The European directive will set recovery targets of 85% of vehicles from 2006 and 95% from 2015.
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