26 November 2004
Local authorities across the country are to be given powers already available in London to remove and destroy abandoned vehicles dumped in back streets.
The Clean Neighbourhoods Bill, included in the Queen's Speech, will give councils the power to deal with all nuisance vehicles, not just those obviously abandoned.
This is being backed by an Office of the Deputy Prime Minister strategy that will support councils in making better use of existing powers and to learn from the experience in the capital.
London has led the way through the £13.4m Home Office-funded Operation Scrap It. London's 33 authorities were granted extra powers to destroy all unlicensed or unregistered cars. The scheme also offers owners a free 'take-back' service to help them dispose of their vehicle safely.
Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: 'People have no excuse now that all London boroughs offer a free take-back service, and they risk imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500 if they dump a car.'
David Sparks, chair of the Local Government Association's environment board, said the measures would help councils to make a real difference to people's quality of life. As well as action on abandoned cars, the Bill gives councils the power to seize vehicles that are caught fly tipping and issue fixed penalty notices of up to £300.
'However, public expectations will be raised and it is important that authorities, particularly smaller district councils that are facing funding cuts in the forthcoming local government settlement, are given money up-front to enable them to introduce new systems and train staff to make the improvements necessary,' he said.
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