Action on abandoned cars

OFFICERS from Police Scotland working with partner agencies have removed a number of abandoned and untaxed vehicles from Highland roads.

Road policing officers have supported the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Highland Council Environmental Health enforcement officers, the Health and Safety Executive, Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs to carry out enforcement action.

The first week of action saw more than 50 vehicles seized and 40 clamped. The action followed complaints from local residents regarding apparently abandoned vehicles which have clearly been used without road tax. Other road traffic offences, including vehicles being driven without insurance, were also detected.

Highland Council and the DVLA will continue to carry out enforcement action across the region, supported by Police Scotland.

Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland said residents had raised concerns about anti-social behaviour linked to these vehicles and that there was the obvious danger of vehicles which are not roadworthy being used.

‘Seizing these vehicles will not only clean up local communities but also keep our roads safe,’ he said.

Gregor MacCormick, Highland Council’s Senior Environmental Health Officer, added: ‘Abandoned cars cause significant concern within communities and the council spends a considerable amount of time and money investigating and removing them. Our team will continue to work to tackle this serious problem.’

Constable David Miller, who led the operation, confirmed the action was generally positively received by the community.

‘Other road traffic offences were detected during the operation. The owners of all the vehicles clamped or seized will receive fines in addition to the vehicle excise due directly from the DVLA,’ he said.