Range of measures unveiled to tackle abandoned cars

Proposals include removing dumped cars within 24 hours and new powers to track down and prosecute owners and offenders.
Commenting at the launch of a joint DTLR/DEFRA consultation document,

Mr Byers said: “Dumped cars are an increasing eyesore on our streets and a real danger to children who are attracted to them as playgrounds. Too often they are also a target for local arsonists. Our proposals published today aim to get dumped cars off the streets quickly and efficiently.

“The measures will give local councils increased powers to deal with these cars and get rid of the bureaucratic boundaries that make it easier for people to get away with it. It will also reduce the demands on the police and fire services who have to deal with the vandalism and arson resulting from dumped cars.

Welcoming the joint publication, Environment Minister Michael Meacher said:
“The recent rapid increase in abandoned cars, due to the sharp fall in scrap metal prices, is now emerging as one of the biggest menaces facing our towns and cities. They are not only an eyesore, but can become a potential firebomb. With these tough new measures we are determined to stamp out the problem.”

The government says that London boroughs are among the worst affected by abandoned cars – Ealing destroyed 3,750 cars last year, costing the authority more than 250,000.

The proposals set out in the consultation include:

• Reducing the notice periods before cars can be removed, from seven days to 24 hours in the cases of vehicles with no value – the overwhelming majority of dumped cars. This will reduce the risk of cars simply being moved and parked elsewhere and reduce the danger of vandalism once a notice has been attached;
• Enabling local authorities to use the DVLA's powers to clamp and remove unlicensed vehicles. Pilot schemes in the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Newham involved the local authority acting as DVLA contractors, removing and impounding unlicensed vehicles;
• Promoting best practice for the agencies dealing with abandoned and unlicensed cars;
• Tightening vehicle registration procedures to ensure that those who dump cars can be tracked down and prosecuted.

The consultation on measures to deal with abandoned cars runs until 31 January 2002.

For a summary of the measures on which the government is seeking views, see page 2