Derelict vehicles ‘an increasing burden on the public’s purse’- Health Minister Wheatley
This is according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), who was responding to a question by Third District Representative and Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser, RA at the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly in Road Town today, September 5, 2023.
Hon Fraser wanted to know if the Minister has an immediate and long-term plan for dealing with derelict vehicles in the territory.
An increasing burden on the public’s purse
Hon Wheatley said the collection of derelict vehicles is an ongoing responsibility managed by the Department of Waste Management. He added that, annually, funding is allotted to the relevant subheads to cover the costs for the derelict vehicle programme.
“However, this is an increasing burden on the public’s purse, as individuals bear no costs for the disposal of their vehicles and contribute no costs after their useful life. This situation must be addressed soonest, Madam Speaker, to help alleviate the cost of government in disposing of derelicts.
Impounding of vehicles & fee charged
Hon Wheatley continued that the medium-term plans include reviving the partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DDM) to gather information such as addresses, phone numbers, and name of owners of derelicts found in the territory.
He said this will also include upgrades to existing systems where the vehicle’s VIN numbers can be used, in the case where no stickers or plates are available, to access information on the owners.
“We will continue to liaise with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to assist with vehicles that are left on the roadside impeding traffic, abandoned in public parking lots, damaged because of an accident or caught on fire.
“Where appropriate, vehicles in the categories mentioned could be impounded and owners charged a fee to retrieve them.”
Ban or higher import tax?
Hon Wheatley said the longer-term plan is to curb the number of derelicts that plague these islands, adding that the government must consider placing a ban on foreign-owned vehicles over a particular age or threshold, or possibly placing a higher import tax on these vehicles.
He also said a disposal fee must be implemented so vehicle owners will no longer have to place these unwanted vehicles on private or public property.
“Collecting, processing, and having these derelict exports off the island can cost government exorbitant amounts,” Hon Wheatley stated.
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18 Responses to “Derelict vehicles ‘an increasing burden on the public’s purse’- Health Minister Wheatley”
Out of d3 you are awesome for this. Maybe we can use that land for the horse track
Don’t they have vin numbets?
Aren’t the vin number’s registered at DMV.?
Are the vin numbets at DMV not registered to the owner?
Have the owners pay for removal .
1) When you go register your car in 2024, you pay a 1 off derelict vehicle removal fee of xyz dollars, depending on tonnage of vehicle
2) Upon importation every vehicle is levied a derelict vehicle removal fee of xyz depending on tonnage.
3) Licensed dealers are exempt, but any car purchased through a dealer must upon 1st registration pay the derelict vehicle removal fee that would otherwise be paid upon importation.