Gov’t weighs heavier fines for derelict vehicle disposal
The government is considering tougher penalties for improper disposal of derelict vehicles as it seeks a long-term solution to the growing problem.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley made the disclosure recently while noting that the issue requires urgent action to maintain the territory’s environment and public health.
“We have a lot of street mechanics. They get these vehicles, they take all the parts off of them, and they just leave them wherever they are on the public roads,” the Premier said. “And we’re exploring bigger fines for things like that.”
He also proposed that a disposal fee should be imposed on each vehicle at either the DMV or ports to generate funds for the removal of these vehicles.
Premier Wheatley said Health Minister Vincent Wheatley continues to seek a solution to a permanent location to house and process derelict vehicles in the territory on one particular site. “We have to identify the best site to be able to process them,” he added. “Some persons have come to me with some very good ideas in terms of how we process those things. How we could even benefit from recycling the material for the vehicles.”
The Premier’s comments come in the wake of recent objections by Third District residents. “I think the Minister is working expeditiously to remove them from there and remove them from the island,” Wheatley stated. “That’s part of the problem. When you see a lot of the derelict vehicles in the community, you can’t even pick them up because you don’t have any place to put them. So we have to solve that problem.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Waste Management (DWM) is leading efforts to clear abandoned vehicles while reviewing proposals to process and export up to 600 derelict cars.
“While we await the conclusion of this tender process, efforts are being made to clean the existing site and identify a long-term site that aligns with both social and environmental requirements for vehicle storage and processing in the Virgin Islands,” DWM Director Marcus Solomon said.
Solomon noted that once viable options are identified, the government will consult with stakeholders and the wider community to ensure transparency. “We sincerely appreciate the public’s patience, and we welcome their participation in identifying suitable locations on Tortola that can serve as a sustainable solution for derelict vehicle storage and processing,” he said.
Premier Wheatley stressed that accountability must be enforced for individuals who leave vehicles abandoned on public and private property. “The public is encouraged to play an active role in reporting abandoned or derelict vehicles,” he said, urging residents to provide location details and photographs when submitting reports to the department. Reports can be made by calling 468-4934, emailing [email protected], or using the BVIGovReportit app.
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What is the purpose of the funds collected annually by the DMV from individuals for licensing?
Buy a new car…price has to include a disposal fee. Import a car…importation fee has to include disposal fee. You get 75% of the fee back if you export the car from the Territory
The trick here will be to keep track of the monies collected and to use them for their intended purpose. History has shown that this is not easily done hereabouts,.
Why should I pay more money for a car because the government cannot deal with the “road mechanics” who are leaving these cars all over the place? Fine them. It’s not hard to see who is responsible for these vehicles. If you can’t find the person ask Town and Country who is doing all the illegal land fills for more space to store their old cars and big trucks. Does the general public always have to take financial responsibility because the government doesn’t want to be seen to be the bad guys? It’s not like these guys are hiding, the vehicles are on the street.