Chesterfield Borough Council is set to make its powers to remove and dispose of untaxed vehicles permanent following what it describes as a successful six-month pilot scheme.
The authority seized 60 vehicles during the trial after taking on devolved enforcement powers from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Of those vehicles, 24 were returned to their owners, 34 were scrapped, while two were still being processed.
Council papers reveal that the scheme is recommended for permanent adoption at a meeting on Tuesday, with the authority highlighting improvements to public safety and the local environment.
The council said the vehicles removed during the pilot had been linked to concerns including poor roadworthiness, anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
It also believes there is a continuing need for action across the borough, with DVLA estimates suggesting around 4,000 vehicles in Chesterfield are untaxed.
Officers said information and reports from members of the public during the trial demonstrated that the scheme should be expanded to tackle the number of vehicles being identified.
The pilot also proved financially beneficial, generating a net gain of £6,600 for the council after costs.
A full-time enforcement position is now being advertised as the authority looks to build on the work carried out during the trial.
Shaun Morley, the council’s head of community safety and regulatory services, said the partnership with the DVLA had demonstrated it could operate on a cost-neutral or self-sufficient basis.
He added that removing untaxed vehicles from roads, residential areas and accessible public land quickly helped prevent neighbourhoods from deteriorating and reduced the risk of vehicles being vandalised, misused or becoming a source of nuisance.
The recommendation to adopt the powers permanently will be considered by councillors at Tuesday’s meeting.
