UNTAXED vehicles that cause a public nuisance will be removed from the streets of Huntingdonshire under new powers taken by the district council. Although the council can already order the removal of an abandoned vehicle, it previously had to give the own

UNTAXED vehicles that cause a public nuisance will be removed from the streets of Huntingdonshire under new powers taken by the district council.Although the council can already order the removal of an abandoned vehicle, it previously had to give the owner time to remove it.By the end of the month, the council will be able clamp vehicles immediately.The motorist will have 24 hours to claim a vehicle once it has been clamped before it is removed to a vehicle pound. The cost for de-clamping during the first 24 hours is £80, plus evidence of a valid excise disc. Without a disc, a £120 surety must be paid.Once the vehicle has been impounded, the release fee doubles to £160.However, the council can remove vehicles instantly if they are causing a nuisance - as it does now with burned out vehicles - powers that HDC plans to use.Under the DVLA code of practice, all vehicles must be stored for at least eight days, and vehicles of value for two weeks. Cars worth more than £5,000 will be sold at auction.Council officers or contractors will take photographs before and after lifting vehicles to prevent fraudulent claims for damage. - In the last year, HDC has had 800 complaints from members of the public about abandoned vehicles and has lifted 300 of them.