HC Deb 30 March 1983 vol 40 cc174-5W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of Stale for Transport (1) whether he will take steps to collect statistics on the number of abandoned motor vehicles in the United Kingdom and the number of accidents and injuries resulting from such vehicles;

(2) how many people have been killed or injured, respectively, in road accidents as a result of abandoned vehicles on the roadside during the last five years for which records are available.

Mrs. Chalker

Injury road accidents are reported for statistical purposes by the police on a form agreed between the Department of Transport, the counties, the police and other parties concerned.

Parked cars involved in accidents are identified but the proportion of these that are abandoned would be difficult to identify. The police cannot be expected to devote disproportionate effort in attempting to do so.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will, encourage local authorities to draw the attention of the public to the health hazards resulting from abandoned motor vehicles.

Mrs. Chalker

The hazards are well known to local authorities. It is for them to decide what action to take in their areas.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will encourage local authorities to collect motor vehicles abandoned on the roadside free of charge.

Mrs. Chalker

Local authorities already have a statutory duty to remove abandoned vehicles from the highway.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will take steps to increase the maximum fine that can be imposed under the Vehicle Excise Act for the illegal dumping of motor vehicles.

Mrs. Chalker

From 11 April the maximum penalties for this offence will be increased under the Criminal Justice Act 1982 to £500 or a prison sentence of three months or both.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will institute an inquiry into the problems caused by the dumping of motor vehicles.

Mrs. Chalker

The problems are well known. I do not consider an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.