The Minister of Transport said the Government was making progress in the removal of abandoned vehicles.

Wayne Furbert said that, in addition to a recent media campaign highlighting the issue, the ministry had established an e-mail-based reporting system. To date, the public has provided details on more than 30 vehicles.

Traffic officers have started issuing tickets for vehicles that may be abandoned.

“These tickets serve as formal notice to the vehicle owners, notifying them of the impending removal of their abandoned property,” Mr Furbert told the House yesterday.

On average the department has received four or five reports per day. Since this initiative started, traffic officers have ticketed 17 motor cars and 12 motorcycles and auxiliary bicycles.

A remaining vehicle was moved before the traffic officers visited the reported location.

“To date, the department has used a private towing company to remove six cars. The parks department and a private cycle repair shop have assisted with the removal of eight of the 12 reported cycles,” Mr Furbert said:

Vehicles scheduled for disposal are taken to the airport dump after the fluids and batteries have been removed, he said.

Scott Pearman, Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs and Home Affairs, said that he had helped to clear out some vehicles recently. When he called TCD, he was told a removal truck was not available. Mr Furbert reiterated that TCD was the correct facility to contact.

Mr Furbert added that the legal requirement for notice to remove a vehicle of seven-days has been extended to 14 days.

Mr Pearman questioned the move saying it would be more efficient to have the vehicles removed in a timely manner.

Mr Furbert responded: “We are being a little more compassionate. We are trying to work with individuals.”

Mr Furbert outlined some of the problems caused by abandoned vehicles.

“The escalation of abandoned vehicles has necessitated a deliberate and concerted effort on our part to effectively tackle this problem,” he said.

”These abandoned cars and bikes mar the aesthetic appeal of our environment. However, it is also important to note, they also can pose various risks with regard to public safety and health.

“Abandoned vehicles can become potential breeding grounds for pests, pose fire hazards and can obstruct traffic flow. It is high time we take decisive action to tackle this issue comprehensively.“