Dorset Council takes action to remove abandoned vehicles across the county

On Tuesday 16 March, officers from Dorset Council’s Waste Enforcement Team carried out an operation targeting untaxed vehicles in the Lynch Lane area of Weymouth that were reported as abandoned by members of the public.

This followed a similar operation the previous week when the team attended three locations across Dorset, responding to abandoned vehicle reports in Bridport, Portland, and Swanage.

For a vehicle to be considered “abandoned”, it must be parked on public land/highway (such as a residential road) and not be taxed. The Enforcement Team receive around 1,300 legitimate reports of abandoned vehicles each year, with about 60% qualifying for enforcement such as fines, clamping and/or removal.

In Weymouth, a total of 9 untaxed vehicles were identified. These vehicles were then clamped and removed using devolved powers from the DVLA under the Devolved Power Partner Scheme. Owners will now have to purchase vehicle excise tax and pay relevant fees to release their vehicle.

The three vehicles from the previous week were clamped and their owners issued with fines of £100. After 24 hours, the vehicles are removed and the fine increases to £200. Furthermore, the owner must prove that the vehicle has been taxed or pay a deposit of up to £700. The DVLA may also impose a fine of up to £1,000, or five times the annual cost of the tax.

In partnership with the DVLA and Dorset Police, Dorset Council have committed resources to remove abandoned vehicles from the highway. These actions are part of a wider enforcement programme across Dorset where we are tackling fly-tipping and littering, as well as abandoned vehicles.

If members of the public wish to report an untaxed vehicle, this can be done online.

We would encourage the vehicle owners to contact the Waste Enforcement Team on 01305 225473 so that officers can assist them to secure the release of their vehicle.

Please note that if a vehicle has been left on the highway and is causing a hazard or has been burnt out and reported by the police, its tax and MOT status is irrelevant and Dorset Council will investigate.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said:

“Abandoned vehicles are an eyesore and often cause anger and frustration within the community. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that any vehicle parked on the highway is fully taxed, especially as these are also unlikely to be insured, which could have greater implications for both owners and other road users.

When you consider the potential fines, it is far cheaper to ensure your vehicle is taxed if you leave it on a residential road. This also applies to vehicle traders, who must note that they cannot store untaxed vehicles on the highway for commercial purposes.

I want to thank the Enforcement Team for their continued hard work investigating and taking action against these vehicle owners. If any member of the public suspects a vehicle has been abandoned on a public highway, they should report it to us via our online form or by calling 01305 221040.”