Abandoned Irish vehicle outside property in SW London

Beeblebr0x

Merry_Mawkin said:

I have the same problem with Bexley council car been left since before Xmas. False number plates ,flat tires, wing mirror broken reported in February council replied reported to DVLA not their problem, police not interested reported twice more since then still nothing been done just waiting for someone to set fire to it. Surely it will cost the council more to deal with a burnt out shell than a compete vehicle as the dismantlers would take it off their hands.  

I reported two cars to Bexley council via my local councillor after I got a curt reply using Fix My Street. One was uninsured, the other had no MOT and had a flat tyre. The cars are still there after three months. This is the reply I received:

 

Dear Councillor

 

Member Enquiry 123456

RE: Cllr XY

Thank you for forwarding Mr Beeblebr0x's enquiry regarding two vehicles reported via Fix My Street, under reference 654321.

I can confirm that the Council's responsibility in such matters is limited to investigating vehicles that meet the criteria for being classified as abandoned. As outlined in national guidance, symptoms of abandonment may include vehicles that are untaxed, in a poor or dangerous condition, or obstructing the highway.

In this case, both vehicles are shown to have valid tax, which means they cannot be treated as abandoned unless they are causing an obstruction or are in a hazardous state. While we note that one vehicle reportedly has a flat tyre, this alone does not meet the legal threshold for intervention under the Council's powers.

It is important to clarify that the absence of valid MOT or insurance, while concerning, only constitutes an offence if the vehicle is being driven or used on a public road. Such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the police and the DVLA, not the local authority.

We do understand Mr B's frustration and I will investigate why a fuller explanation was not provided in response to his initial report. The council strives to provide clear and timely communication, and I apologise if this standard was not met in this instance.

Should further evidence come to light, such as obstruction or deteriorating condition, we would be happy to re-assess the situation.

Regards

AB