Multi-agency operation launched to target abandoned vehicles

Police officers in Barrow have teamed up with their Roads Policing colleagues and Barrow Borough council to launch an operation to target abandoned items that cause an unnecessary obstruction to the community.

The operation is set to target boats, trailers and caravans that their owners have left on roadsides for an unreasonable length of time. The agencies involved in the Operation are raising awareness of the need for the vehicles to be removed in the lead up to 7th January 2011 when the vigorous enforcement campaign will begin.

Steve Robson, the Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Manager, said, “We often receive complaints from residents that boats, trailers and caravans are left in back streets for weeks on end. They are not just unsightly in our community - they also pose dangers to local children.”

Peter Carr from Barrow Borough’s Environmental Health Department said: “If people abandon their trailers, boats, etc and if they fit the legislation criteria to have been abandoned, then we will consider removing them. The Streetcare services work is often hampered by such vehicles, which results in back streets not getting cleaned, and refuse collectors being unable to drive down the streets to collect refuse.”

Sergeant Ian McClymont, who is coordinating the operation said: “We would expect owners of trailers, boats and caravans to remove them from the roadside and park them off the road were they will not cause an obstruction. By definition, if they are left on the road - which includes back streets - for a significant amount of time, it is an unnecessary obstruction and the owner’s risk having their property seized and getting a fixed penalty ticket.

“Many of the owners parking these items on the streets are doing so to avoid fees charged for mooring boats, or putting caravans in compounds. However by leaving them on the streets they cause problems for other residents, present dangers to children playing in the area and take up valuable parking spaces.”

Gavin Roberts, form Barrows Fire and Rescue services said: “By leaving these vehicles in back streets they become a target for damage and present a fire risk. They also have the potential to prevent fire engines from accessing the scene of a fire quickly and easily so could risk a person’s life.”