Abandoned vehicles
Environmental Protection Officers have been investigating 268 reports of abandoned vehicles, which has led to a total of 91 vehicles being removed from the public highway. Of those vehicles, 68 were untaxed.
Untaxed and Abandoned vehicles removed in Smethwick
A targeted operation was carried out to tackle the growing issue of untaxed and abandoned vehicles littering the streets of Smethwick. These vehicles had been dumped on the roadside without any regard for the disruption caused to local businesses, residents, and the general flow of traffic in the area. As part of the operation 6 vehicles were removed and taken to the pound from Heath Street and Cranford Street areas, 9 more vehicles were clamped but later released once tax and release fees were paid roadside and 3 abandoned vehicles were served with notices.
The Council’s Parking Enforcement Team was also present throughout the operation, monitoring and taking action against vehicles parked illegally on double yellow lines or other restricted zones where 18 Parking Charge Notice’s were issued.
Waste Management
Rapid Response Operatives responded to reports of a fly tip in Wigmore Lane, West Bromwich where waste had been dumped in trees and bushes. The rubbish was traced back to a resident, who was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £600 for failing in their Household Waste Duty of Care.
Fireworks Underage Sales Visits
Sandwell Trading Standards Service carried out two underage sales test purchase exercises to a total of seven premises in Sandwell in relation to the sale of fireworks.
Four out of the seven businesses sold fireworks to a child. Three fireworks were sold to our 16-year-old volunteer and 1 firework was sold to our 14-year-old volunteer. This is a 57% failure rate.
Prior to the underage sales exercises, all four businesses received an educational visit from Sandwell Trading Standards Officers advising them about their legal responsibilities in relation to age restricted sales, particularly fireworks. A letter was hand delivered at the time of the visit, reiterating this advice and explaining that there would be attempts made by underage volunteers working for Sandwell Trading Standards Service to purchase fireworks during this year’s sale period.
All four businesses have been spoken to following the failures. They have been made aware that investigations are on going and that formal action will be considered as a result of the sales.
