The problem
Abandoned vehicles generate significant economic, environmental and social costs. Last year 191 abandoned vehicles were removed by Gosport Borough Council at a cost of £52,000.
Abandoned vehicles are not only an eyesore they are a danger and encourage other forms of anti-social behaviour.
Hundreds of thousands of old cars have been dumped on the streets of Britain since the collapse in the value of scrap metals destroyed the market for unwanted vehicles.
The Borough Council operates a service to remove unwanted cars. Approximately 900 enquiries are dealt with annually.
It is Council policy to deal with abandoned vehicles as quickly as possible, and to keep to a minimum the problems they cause.
The Partnership
In order to tackle this growing problem, Gosport Borough Council work in partnership with Hampshire County Council's Natural Resources Initiative (www.hnri.co.uk), the Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue, in order to remove abandoned vehicles as quickly as possible.
The Scheme
In order to limit the problems associated with vehicles being left on the street, the notice period for removing abandoned vehicles has now been reduced from 7 days to 24 hours. In addition, Gosport Borough Council now have direct links to the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) which will enable the registered owner to be more quickly identified and speed up the process of dealing with abandoned vehicles.
What are the signs that a vehicle may be abandoned?
A vehicle may be abandoned if it is;
- Untaxed
- Burnt out
- Damaged/vandalised
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Contact Gosport Borough Council, Leisure and Amenities Unit either by telephone on 023 9254 5406 or by clicking on this link.....
ABANDONED VEHICLE ONLINE FORM
What information will I need to provide about the vehicle?
- Make and model
- Colour
- Where it is
- Registration Number
- Condition of vehicle
- Length of time the vehicle has been there
You will also be asked to supply your name, address and telephone number.
What happens once I have reported an abandoned vehicle?
- The vehicle will be assessed by a Gosport Borough Council Officer to determine whether the vehicle is abandoned.
- If the vehicle is confirmed abandoned, the vehicle will be affixed with a 24 hour notice.
- After 24 hours the vehicle will be photographed and removed.
- If the vehicle is removed, the Officer will then contact the DVLA to identify the registered owner.
- The vehicle details will also be checked with the Police to ensure that it is of no Police interest.
How do I dispose of an unwanted vehicle?
It is against the law to abandon a vehicle (Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978) and if convicted can cost up to £2,500 or 3 months in prison.
To dispose of an unwanted vehicle contact Gosport Borough Council, Streetscene - Tel : 023 9254 5406. *There is a £65 charge for this service.
*Correct as of 01 April 2004
What if my car has been moved?
An abandoned vehicle will be towed away within 24 hours and most will then be destroyed. Only vehicles in a very good condition will be stored, while efforts are made to trace the owner. Owners will have to satisfy the Council/Police that they are the legitimate owner of a vehicle and produce a V5 registration document/log book and proof of ID before they can be returned and the costs recovered.
Tel: 023 9254 5631
Email: streetscene@gosport.gov.uk
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