Anger at parked van abandoned in street for months
IT IS BLOCKING PAVEMENT AND PREVENTING PEOPLE REVERSING OUT OF DRIVES
A FLATBED truck has caused anger among residents after it was abandoned on the pavement – and they say it has now been there almost four months.
The white truck is blocking access for wheelchairs or pushchairs, parked partly on a pavement on the corner of Ashbrook and Dunstall Brook in Brizlincote Valley.
Sandie Williams, resident and Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for the Dunstall Brook and Ashbrook area, has reported the truck to the police and councillors.
But she says has been told that while it is taxed and has a valid MOT certificate, it cannot be moved.
Mrs Williams said she would be accused of theft if she had it towed away.
She has now placed stickers on the truck highlighting how long she claims it has been parked there.
She said: “It is parked on the pavement and on a corner and you cannot get any buggies through.
“There’s an elderly couple who live opposite and they cannot reverse their car out of their drive because of it.
“Several people have had accidents there before because it is a narrow area. They don’t slow down unless they know the road.
“I’ve contacted councillors and the police but if it is taxed and insured until October and has an MOT certificate until July then there is nothing they can legally do.”
The truck is full of junk, including clothing, wrappers and cans, Mrs
Williams said.
A two-week notice has now been placed on the vehicle by East Staffordshire Borough Council, the resident told the Burton Mail.
Under Government rules, councils must give the owner 15 days’ notice that they propose to remove the vehicle, and they cannot remove it if the owner objects during the notice period.
However, the 15-day notice period does not apply if the vehicle is abandoned on a road or highway.
Authorities must decide if a vehicle is abandoned by checking its tax; if it has been stationary for a significant amount of time; if it is significantly damaged, run down or unroadworthy, for example has flat tyres, missing wheels or broken windows; if it is burned out; or a number plate is missing.
East Staffordshire Borough Council has been contacted for comment.