§ Mr. Roseasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to ensure the removal of abandoned cars from public places; and whether he will seek powers to impose heavy penalties on those who abandon cars without cause.
§ Mr. Tom FraserIn consultation with my Department the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in February issued a circular to local authorities giving guidance on the removal and disposal of old vehicles. I hope that this will be an effective contribution to an increasingly serious problem.
There are already powers to impose penalties on those who abandon cars, both under the Litter Act 1958 and, if the car is abandoned on a highway, under Regulation 90 of the Construction and Use Regulations of 1963, which prohibits unnecessary obstruction of the highway. In these circumstances I do not think further powers are necessary at present.