Unauthorised vehicle crackdown completed by Gosport council

SEVERAL dozen unauthorised vehicles have been removed from the Brockhurst area after action by the Gosport Borough Council.

As reported in The Globe, in mid-December warning letters – issued in accordance with Section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 – were attached to 25 vehicles in Norfolk Road and an adjoining private parking area.

The letters came after complaints from local residents and gave the owner 28 days to remove the vehicles or the council would issue a community protection notice for anti-social behaviour.

When investigating the complaints, it was found that many of the cars and vans had no MOT, tax or insurance and were not roadworthy. Some had been stripped for parts and some were a risk to the public and the environment because of exposed parts and leaking fluids such as oil.

Within a week, many of the vehicles had been moved and the council now reports that all of them have gone from the road and parking areas.

It is much to the relief of the residents, one of whom told the council: “It’s a lot better, and even the garage area has been cleaned up.”

‘This was clearly anti-social behaviour’

The Leader of Gosport Borough Council Councillor Graham Burgess, said: “This was a council-led operation, greatly assisted by Gosport police”.

“There were numerous un-taxed cars filling Norfolk Road, and several more parked in the private garage area used by residents. This was clearly anti-social behaviour which was affecting the day-to-day lives of residents.

“The situation will continue to be monitored, but there has been a commitment on the part of the owner to keep the area free of untaxed cars and we’re appreciative of that.”

The assistance from Hampshire Constabulary included attaching the warning notices to the vehicles and Sergeant Alison Zachs said she was, “pleased that the work carried out has proven successful and has had a positive impact on the lives of local residents.”

Photograph (top): two cars displaying the warning letters in mid-December