Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Abandoned Vehicles: Public Highways

12 July 2023 · 0 other contributors · 4,041 words

Opened by Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

Responding minister: Trudy Harrison

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robbie Moore raised concerns about abandoned vehicles: public highways in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Robbie Moore raised concerns about abandoned vehicles on public highways in Keighley, causing frustration to residents and hindering business operations.
  • Moore requested the government to review legislation to increase penalties for businesses parking abandoned vehicles for spare parts and to allow local authorities to charge higher removal costs to reclaim expenses.
  • The Minister noted Bradford had the highest number of abandoned car reports outside London between 2020 and 2022 and cited the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act of 1978, which enables local authorities to penalize offenders with fines up to 2,500 or imprisonment.

Key requests to Government

Moore asks the Government to review legislation to toughen penalties on businesses parking abandoned vehicles for spare parts and to increase fines for using public highways for business purposes. He also requests the Minister to look at regulations allowing local authorities to charge higher removal costs to reclaim expenses from vehicle owners.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

Robbie Moore is concerned about abandoned vehicles on public highways in Keighley, which cause frustration to residents and businesses. He cited examples of vehicles without number plates or parts missing that have been left for weeks, months, or years. One business reported delivery lorries unable to enter due to abandoned vehicles. The issue extends beyond Keighley and has been a problem across the Bradford district.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

The Minister highlighted that Bradford had the highest number of abandoned car reports outside London between 2020 and 2022, citing specific issues in Keighley. She mentioned the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act of 1978, which allows local authorities to take action against abandoned vehicles with penalties up to £2,500 or three months in prison. The minister also touched on producer responsibility for end-of-life vehicles and praised local initiatives like the Utley safer streets group.

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