More untaxed nuisance vehicles taken off Bradford roads

Powers were granted last December to allow the authority to remove vehicles without valid tax and also vehicles with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) from adopted and unadopted highways or open-air land, such as supermarket car parks.

The Bradford district is only the second authority in West Yorkshire to have been granted these powers.

The Council has now taken a further 26 untaxed, nuisance vehicles off roads in the district alongside West Yorkshire Police.

Joint operation to target untaxed, nuisance vehicles (Image: Bradford Council)

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “This latest operation focussed on areas in the Manningham, City and Great Horton wards and we’ve got other operations planned in the coming weeks in other areas across the district. 

“Abandoned vehicles are a real nuisance and a blight on local communities and we are using all powers available to us, to remove them from our streets.”

Results so far

Officers from the local authority have now taken 98 of these vehicles off the road since the powers came into use.

Joint operation to target untaxed, nuisance vehicles (Image: Bradford Council)

Of the 98 vehicle seized so far, 26 have been collected by their registered keeper, 46 still remain in the pound and 26 have been crushed.

"Operations will be continuing across the district throughout the year, the Council revealed last week.

When the new powers were announced, the Council shared its hopes that the changes would make it easier to tackle the problem.

It means officers have the powers to remove, store, and dispose of these vehicles -as well as claiming back any costs if owners are identified.

Joint operation to target untaxed, nuisance vehicles (Image: Bradford Council)

In 2023, Bradford was named one of the worst cities outside of London for abandoned vehicles.

Previously vehicles could “fall through the gap” due to questions over whether the Council or DVLA are responsible for removing the vehicles.

People can report untaxed and abandoned vehicles in the Bradford district by calling 01274 431000.

More information can be found by visiting www.bradford.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/abandoned-vehicles/abandoned-vehicles/

Bradford Council's new powers against untaxed vehicles

Powers recently delegated to the Council include:

• Power to authorise the removal of an abandoned motor vehicle on land forming part of a highway road to a Council approved storage facility in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.
• Power to prepare and serve a notice advising of the Council’s intention to remove for destruction any motor vehicle at the end of the prescribed period in pursuance of Section 3 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.
• Power to authorise and arrange for the disposal of any vehicle in the Council’s custody in accordance with Section 4 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.
• Power to authorise the Director of Legal and Governance to commence actions required for the recovery of expenses connected with the removal of abandoned vehicles in accordance with Section 5 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.