In the latest purge to hit the area, officers working on Operation Cubit removed 17 abandoned and untaxed vehicles from Dover's streets during three days of last week  (9-–11 January).

Once removed from the streets, they are taken to a compound and owners have to pay fees and charges to reclaim their vehicle. Those not claimed within the prescribed period of usually seven days, are destroyed.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, Dover District Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Planning, said: "Untaxed vehicles are often uninsured, have no MOT and are a danger to the public. Operation Cubit continues to be a great success, and we continue to work closely with partner agencies to remove these vehicles from our streets as quickly as possible.”

Sgt Ian Swallow from Kent Police said: "This multi agency initiative has been a great success, resulting in a number of untaxed vehicles being taken off the road. This is a clear warning to all motorists who choose not to tax, insure or MOT their vehicles. Kent Police will not hesitate in seizing any illegal vehicles for the safety of other road users."

To report an abandoned vehicle in Dover District please call 01304 872428 or visit www.dover.gov.uk

Operation Cubit is run in partnership across the county by Kent Police, Kent County Council, Kent District Councils (including Dover District Council), Medway Unitary Authority, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, NSL (formerly NCP), and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012