Councillor Stoddart Tackles Abandon Vehicle Problem

Councillor Peter Stoddart will be representing the Abbey Meads ward on the 'Abandoned Vehicles Task Group' on Thursday, 24th October 2002.

Councillor Peter Stoddart summed up the situation, 'Abandoned vehicles are a real growing problem which we need to tackle.  Abandoned vehicles are often targeted by vandels, and it is the Council Tax payer who has to pay to ultimately have the vehicle removed.'

'Through the Abandoned Vehicles Task Group, I am determined to make sure this issue is taking seriously.  The growing costs from removing abandoned vehicles is taking money directly away from other front line servives.'

'Whilst I welcome the Government moves to increase the levels of vehicle components being recycled rather than sent to landfill sites, this does considerably increase the costs of disposal, so it is crucial we lobby the Government to provide additional funding to meet the cost increases.'

Notes

Increasing Numbers
In 1995, 75 abonded vehicles were removed in the Borough.
In 2002, it is anticipated the fugure will exceed 1300.

A Real Cost
In 2002, the projected cost for removing abandoned vehicles will be approximately £120 000.

Costs To Further Rise
Following further Government regulation on diverting 80% of vehicle components from landfill to recycling, the predicted costs of dealing with an adonded vehicle will be £150.  This will cause considerable further pressures on the Swindon Services budget.