NINE abandoned vehicles have been removed from a Weymouth road as part of an operation launched by Dorset Council.

On Tuesday, officers from Dorset Council's Waste Enforcement Team carried out an operation targeting untaxed vehicles in the Lynch Lane area of Weymouth that were reported as abandoned by members of the public.

These vehicles were then clamped and removed using devolved powers from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Owners will now have to purchase vehicle excise tax and pay relevant fees to release their vehicle.

The operation followed a similar scheme the previous week when the team responded to abandoned vehicle reports in Swanage, Bridport and on Portland, and three vehicles were clamped.

The owners of the three cars were issued with fines of £100. After 24 hours, the vehicles are removed and the fine increases to £200. Furthermore, the owners must prove that their vehicle has been taxed or pay a deposit of up to £700. The DVLA may also impose a fine of up to £1,000, or five times the annual cost of the tax.

In partnership with the DVLA and Dorset Police, Dorset Council has committed resources to remove abandoned vehicles from the highway. These actions are part of a wider enforcement programme across Dorset where we are tackling fly-tipping and littering, as well as abandoned vehicles.

Councillor Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: "Abandoned vehicles are an eyesore and often cause anger and frustration within the community. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that any vehicle parked on the highway is fully taxed, especially as these are also unlikely to be insured, which could have greater implications for both owners and other road users.

"When you consider the potential fines, it is far cheaper to ensure your vehicle is taxed if you leave it on a residential road. This also applies to vehicle traders, who must note that they cannot store untaxed vehicles on the highway for commercial purposes.

"I want to thank the enforcement team for their continued hard work investigating and taking action against these vehicle owners.

"If any member of the public suspects a vehicle has been abandoned on a public highway, they should report it to us via our online form or by calling 01305 221040."

To report an abandoned vehicle, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/abandoned-vehicles