'Heavy-handed' claim as Wick vehicles are clamped in multi-agency initiative
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A WICK motorist has claimed a clamping operation carried out in Caithness was done in a "heavy-handed" way.
Lee Gunn (30) was one of 27 drivers who had their vehicles seized or clamped this week in a multi-agency initiative which involved the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Police Scotland and Highland Council.
He accepts his car was not taxed but feels the officials could have taken a different approach.
Mr Gunn said a letter could have been sent out by the DVLA reminding motorists that if their vehicles were not taxed they would be clamped or removed.
"They should have been given an opportunity to get the vehicles off the road before action was taken," he said.
Mr Gunn, who paid £260 to get his car unclamped, acknowledges he broke the law.
"It was my own fault for having the car parked there," he said. "I planned to put it through its MOT and tax it but it was vandalised.
"The bonnet and the four tyres were damaged. If it had not been vandalised it would have been through its MOT and taxed and I would be driving it."
Mr Gunn pointed out he mistakenly understood a vehicle could be left on the road without tax so long as it was not being driven. "It has been an expensive error for me but I will make sure I have the car taxed in future," he said.
"I am totally behind the DVLA and agree if a vehicle is not taxed it should not be on the road but feel they were a bit heavy-handed in their approach."
However, the DVLA yesterday said it sends reminders to motorists when they need to tax their vehicles, including last-chance reminders. "Over 98 per cent of vehicles on the road are taxed correctly, but it is right that we take action against those who do not tax their vehicles," a spokesman said.
The agencies carried out their operation in Caithness over three days from Monday to Wednesday. It targeted vehicles that were untaxed and "abandoned" in public places. The enforcement action was taken following complaints by local residents.
A number of other road traffic offences were detected during the operation
Constable Neil Macdonald from Police Scotland's road policing unit led the operation.
He said: "The owners of all the vehicles that have been clamped or seized will receive fines in addition to the vehicle excise due directly from the DVLA. These will be sent to the individuals concerned in due course, while other incidents will be reported to the procurator fiscal as appropriate."
Caithness area police inspector Marlene MacDonald said: "Local residents have consistently raised concerns about the detrimental effect abandoned vehicles have on their community as well as, in certain cases, anti-social behaviour linked to these vehicles.
"In addition there is the obvious danger of vehicles which are not roadworthy remaining in use. Seizing these vehicles will not only clean up local communities but also keep our roads safe."
DVLA spokesperson Bethan Beasley said: "It is right that action is taken against those who don't tax their vehicles, otherwise it wouldn't be fair to the vast majority of motorists who do the right thing. Our message is clear – tax it or lose it."
Highland Council’s senior environmental health officer, Clifford Smith, said: "Abandoned cars cause significant concern within communities. Our team will continue to work closely with the DVLA, Police Scotland and other partner agencies in tackling this serious problem."
