Council Targets Illegal Car Sales
Wednesday 10th March
Bedford Borough Council is targeting rogue
traders who are breaking the law and ignoring Council warnings by
trying to sell cars by the roadside.
Officers believe many of the cars sold in this
way may have been stolen or have fake or misleading service
histories whilst anyone who buys a car in this way has little or no
recourse to the seller if problems arise in the future.
Bedford Borough Council is now putting
stickers on cars parked on verges or roadsides, warning sellers it
is illegal to offer vehicles for sale in this way.
If the vehicles are not removed, the council
will use enforcement powers against the owners which can lead to a
£2,500 fine and a criminal record.
Whilst officers are aware of various ‘hotspot’
areas they are also continuing to monitor the rest of the borough
to swiftly deal with problems as they arise.
Ongoing joint operations with the DVLA and
Bedfordshire Police will continue throughout the year to deter
those who seek to profit from breaking the law as well as
protecting the residents of the Borough.
Councilor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for
the Environment said: "We have listened to residents' concerns
about the increasing number of cars marked for sale which
unscrupulous people are parking on our streets.
“These cars are taking away residents'
legitimate parking spaces and are creating eyesores around the
borough. Parking cars for sale on the public highway is illegal
and, if necessary, we will punish those who insist on continuing to
commit this offence.'