§ Bob RussellTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will introduce additional measures to enable local authorities more easily(a) to prosecute owners of vehicles and(b) to remove vehicles which are placed for sale on the highway; and if he will make a statement. [187982]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
Defra is currently consulting through it's 'Clean Neighbourhoods' document on a raft of measures that will improve the suite of powers available to local authorities in the management of our local environment. These would be taken forward once a suitable legislative opportunity arises. The document includes proposed measures on nuisance vehicles.
The proposal is to create a definition of 'nuisance' vehicle that would include vehicles that were detrimental to the amenity of an area or causing a nuisance. Local authorities would have the power to remove these vehicles immediately and recover the costs of doing so. It would become a prosecutable offence for being responsible for such a vehicle.
1653WSWhat constitutes a nuisance or detrimental to the amenity of an area would be clarified in regulations and will be subject to the results of the consultation. Vehicles which are placed on the highway for sale is being considered as part of this process.
§ Bob RussellTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what legislation is available to local authorities(a) to prosecute owners of vehicles and (b) I to remove vehicles which are placed for sale on the highway; and if he will make a statement. [187983]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
Legislative powers available to local authorities currently cover vehicles that are abandoned. The Government recognises the link between abandoned vehicles and other irresponsible or inconsiderate vehicle ownership and is looking to give local authorities more powers to deal with these issues.
Defra is currently consulting through it's 'Clean Neighbourhoods' document on a raft of measures that will improve the suite of powers available to local authorities in the management of our local environment. These would be taken forward once a suitable legislative opportunity arises. The document includes proposed measures on nuisance vehicles.
The proposal is to create a definition of 'nuisance' vehicle that would include vehicles that are detrimental to the amenity of an area or causing a nuisance. Local authorities would have the power to remove these vehicles immediately and recover the costs of doing so. It would become a prosecutable offence for being responsible for such a vehicle.
What constitutes a nuisance or detrimental to the amenity of an area would be clarified in regulations and will be subject to the results of the consultation. Vehicles which are placed on the highway for sale is being closely considered as part of this process.