Council works with DVLA to remove abandoned cars

The agreement gives the council new powers to check a vehicle's owner and tax status on the DVLA's database

A council hopes a new partnership will help it "remove untaxed and abandoned vehicles more swiftly and efficiently".

North Devon Council agreed at its full council meeting on Wednesday to enter into a partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The agreement gives the council new powers to check a vehicle's owner and tax status on the DVLA's database and remove vehicles.

Ricky Knight, from the council, said the move would help make sure the area was "not blighted by such unsightly vehicles in future".

The council said it could already remove vehicles under existing laws, but there were limitations when vehicles were untaxed or where ownership could not be established.

It added: "Abandoned vehicles pose serious challenges, impacting community aesthetics, public safety, and environmental health."

It said the new agreement would streamline its current processes and reduce its admin overhead, as well as providing training for staff.