Crackdown on dumped cars
A warning has been issued to people across Cannock considering dumping a vehicle that they could land themselves behind bars or face a hefty fine. A warning has been issued to people across Cannock considering dumping a vehicle that they could land themselves behind bars or face a hefty fine. More than 100 vehicles are abandoned across the district each year and have to be collected by the council, hitting taxpayers in the pocket. Between 150 and 200 vehicles are reported to Cannock Chase council as being abandoned each year. Around 120 are subsequently towed away. The district council is now trying to tackle the problem and raise awareness of the risks offenders are taking. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
More than 100 vehicles are abandoned across the district each year and have to be collected by the council, hitting taxpayers in the pocket.
Between 150 and 200 vehicles are reported to Cannock Chase council as being abandoned each year. Around 120 are subsequently towed away.
The district council is now trying to tackle the problem and raise awareness of the risks offenders are taking.
The issue has been highlighted as part of this month's Green Streets campaign in a bid to address the issue.
Steve Schofield, the council's senior technical officer, said: "We get regular reports from residents of vehicles that appear to be abandoned usually in communal parking areas next to flats or houses without private parking.
"Offenders usually live a couple of miles away and dump their car for one of a number of reasons, whilst burnt out vehicles which are victims of joy riding tend to be left in more rural areas spoiling the environment."
He added: "We see the abandonment of cars as a form of fly tipping and under the Clean Neighborhoods and Environment Act we can remove all abandoned vehicles from any road as soon as they are identified, including roads on private housing estates."
Mr Schofield said typical reports from residents were of vehicles being parked in their street or parking bays with no tax, flat tyres and damaged windows as well as burnt out vehicles.
"Not only are they an eyesore to our streets but also can be very hazardous to children and animals who may be tempted to look closer," he added.
Vehicles without tax are removed by the council and people only have seven days to recover them before ownership passes to the salvage companies hired to remove them. Abandoned vehicles in a poor state are destroyed.
The district council said abandoning a vehicle was a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of a £2,500 fine and three months imprisonment. Abandoned vehicles can be reported on 01543 462621.
