Council to get tougher on owners of abandoned cars

MOTORISTS across the Highlands have been warned about abandoning cars in public places.

With Highland Council policy due to be tightened up in 2020, Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner says the authority is set to get much tougher on vehicle owners.

Councillor Bremner, deputy leader of the opposition, said: “I just want to warn people that if you currently are using council or residential car-parking areas as a personal workshop area or as a storage area for boats on trailers, cars on blocks, or anything else on wheels that looks unsightly or is causing a nuisance, please don’t be offended if you receive a letter from the council asking you to remove the vehicle.”

If the vehicle is not removed the council will recharge the cost of the action it has to take to move the vehicle back onto the last owner.

A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The council still receives around 500 complaints a year on abandoned vehicles. Abandoned vehicles are a blight on local communities and it is an offence to abandon any vehicle.

"The council investigates all complaints and remove vehicles where appropriate.

“The council website has been updated to provide further advice to the public on the subject. In addition the council continues to undertake joint operations with Police Scotland and the DVLA to target problem areas.

“The council is finalising a new policy and procedures on abandoned and nuisance vehicles which will be implemented in 2020.”

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