Police in the North West have launched major operations targeting untaxed and illegally parked vehicles, with dozens of cars seized already in the past few days.
Lancashire Police detailed how officers working alongside the DVLA and local council seized 15 untaxed vehicles from several streets across Nelson.
This followed a successful "Bin the Bangers" operation in Accrington on November 20, where authorities removed 21 vehicles from the Bridge Street area.
The crackdown is aimed at addressing growing concerns about abandoned and untaxed vehicles causing obstruction and inconvenience to local residents and businesses.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Police have the power to seize obstructing vehicles
PABoth operations involved close collaboration between Lancashire Police, the DVLA and respective local councils to tackle the issue of illegal vehicles on public roads.
The Nelson operation targeted multiple locations across the town, with vehicles seized from Lonsdale Street, Glenfield Road, Waterford Street, Seldon Street and Chapel Street.
Officers from Nelson's neighbourhood team worked alongside the armed response unit during the operation. In addition to the 15 vehicles seized for having no tax, authorities also issued one abandonment notice.
A police spokesman said: "Today Nelson neighbourhood team, along with our armed response team, the DVLA and the council visited several locations in Nelson."
In Accrington, police and partners targeted the Bridge Street area, where narrow streets and parked vehicles were causing significant problems. The police detailed how in this area, of the 21 vehicles seized, 16 were removed for having no tax or MOT.
Four vehicles were seized for obstruction under Section 99 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, while one was taken for unnecessary obstruction of a highway.
Under the act, police and local authorities have broad powers to remove vehicles that are illegally parked, causing obstruction, or abandoned. The law specifically allows for the removal of vehicles that contravene statutory prohibitions or restrictions on roads or other land.
Authorities can take action against vehicles positioned in ways that obstruct or endanger other road users.The legislation also covers vehicles that appear to have been abandoned without lawful authority.
The operation specifically addressed issues where cars parked on both sides of narrow streets were hindering the movement of larger vehicles.
All recovered vehicles have been safely stored, with offending garages set to receive Community Protection Warnings, the police detailed.
Hyndburn Council will also begin conducting a street cleanse to restore the area following the successful operation.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- SUV owners issued serious threat as climate protesters target 'monster' vehicles - 'Time to hold them to account'
- Drivers with larger petrol and diesel cars could face 'Land Rover tax' and new parking restrictions
- Elderly motorists face strong calls to have 'mature driving assessments' and eyesight checks
Untaxed cars can be taken by the police
GETTYLocal Neighbourhood Inspector for Hyndburn, Peter Norris, said: "We know that these vehicles can be hazardous for our residents and cause problems for businesses, as well as being a real eyesore for those living and working in the area.
"We are glad we have been able to work closely with our partners to remove these vehicles off our streets and will continue to address the concerns of our communities.”
