Gov’t weighs heavier fines for derelict vehicle disposal

The government is considering tougher penalties for improper disposal of derelict vehicles as it seeks a long-term solution to the growing problem.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley made the disclosure recently while noting that the issue requires urgent action to maintain the territory’s environment and public health.

“We have a lot of street mechanics. They get these vehicles, they take all the parts off of them, and they just leave them wherever they are on the public roads,” the Premier said. “And we’re exploring bigger fines for things like that.”

He also proposed that a disposal fee should be imposed on each vehicle at either the DMV or ports to generate funds for the removal of these vehicles.

Premier Wheatley said Health Minister Vincent Wheatley continues to seek a solution to a permanent location to house and process derelict vehicles in the territory on one particular site. “We have to identify the best site to be able to process them,” he added. “Some persons have come to me with some very good ideas in terms of how we process those things. How we could even benefit from recycling the material for the vehicles.”