North Devon Council is set to take a significant step in addressing the issue of abandoned vehicles across the district by entering into an agreement with the Driving, Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) as a devolved power partner. This partnership, which was approved at Full Council on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, will empower the council to remove untaxed and abandoned vehicles more swiftly and efficiently, enhancing public safety and the local environment.
Abandoned vehicles pose serious challenges, impacting community aesthetics, public safety, and environmental health. Currently, the council operates under several acts, including the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, but these have limitations, especially when dealing with untaxed vehicles or those where ownership is difficult to establish. The new agreement with the DVLA will provide them with direct access to vehicle registration data, enabling quicker verification of ownership and the authority to remove vehicles that have been untaxed for more than a month.
This partnership will not only streamline the process of dealing with abandoned vehicles but also reduce the administrative burden. The agreement allows for flexibility, enabling the council to tailor its approach to local needs while benefiting from DVLA resources, including free training for officers and contractors involved in vehicle removal.
Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity, Ricky Knight, says: “I wholeheartedly welcome North Devon Council entering into partnership with the DVLA. It will significantly enhance our ability to tackle the issue of abandoned and untaxed vehicles in North Devon and ensure that our communities and environment are not blighted by such unsightly vehicles in future.”
By joining the DVLA Power Partner Programme, North Devon Council is committed to improving the efficiency of its operations, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This initiative is a proactive step towards maintaining the district’s environmental integrity and ensuring that North Devon remains a clean and safe place to live, work, and visit.