VALE drivers are being urged to tax their motors properly following more than 200 complaints about abandoned vehicles across Wychavon.
Of the number of complaints to Wychavon District Council, just over a third are to do with untaxed vehicles and since the start of April there has been a significant increase, with 69 per cent of calls involving untaxed motors.
The council has the power to remove vehicles illegally abandoned on public land or roads if it has been left stationary for a long period of time and has significant damage, such as flat tyres, broken windows, being burnt out or missing a number plate.
The owner is then liable to be given a fixed penalty notice or prosecuted through the courts.
Coun Emma Stokes, portfolio holder for environment and street scene on Wychavon District Council, said: “We know abandoned vehicles have a damaging impact on neighbourhoods and that’s why we always check every report we receive and take action where we can.
“If we can’t deal with them directly then we pass the details on to the DVLA who will.
“We’d urge motorists to ensure their vehicle is properly taxed at all times or if declared SORN, to keep it off public land.
“The costs of having to recover a vehicle once it has been removed can be significant, so it really isn’t worth the risk.”
Residents should visit www.gov.uk/report-untaxed-vehicle to check if their vehicle is taxed.
