Over 100 derelict vehicles removed by the authorities so far

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the Public Health Department and the CWSA Solid Waste Management Unit continue their collaboration to address the matter of the improper storage and disposal of derelict vehicles throughout the state.

Since the programme started in June of this year, 181 removal notices have been served on owners or caretakers of derelict vehicles and a total of 105 vehicles have been removed as of October 25.

Some of the areas covered include Kingstown, Edinboro, Redemption Sharpes, Largo Height, Green Hill, Murrays Village, Ottley Hall, Rockies, Dorsetshire Hill, Arnos Vale, Belair, Calliaqua, Prospect, Brighton, Diamond, Belmont, Enhams, Calder and Richland Park.

Areas that are scheduled for inspection before the 2017 Christmas holiday include Mesopotamia, Campden Park, Questelles, Clare Valley, Layou, Barrouallie and Bequia.

The public is again reminded that under the Litter Act (CAP 291), it is illegal to leave a derelict vehicle in any public place (this includes roads, sidewalks, verges etc). A derelict vehicle is defined by law as ‘a vehicle or part of a vehicle left in a public place which by reason of its condition appears to have been abandoned; and any motor vehicle left in a public place which does not carry a current licence issued by the Licensing Authority’.

This offence is considered as littering and carries with it a possible maximum fine of EC$ 5,000 or six months imprisonment upon conviction. Owners or caretakers of derelict vehicles who fail to comply with an issued notice to remove such vehicles can also face additional charges up to a maximum fine of EC$ 2,000.

There are some instances where cases are currently being prepared against individuals who have ignored the Police-issued notices under the Traffic Act to remove vehicles illegally parked within 48 hours.