Unlicensed Motor Salvage Operators face fines of £5000

Motor salvage operators who do not have a license or do not keep accurate records of their transactions could face fines of up to £5,000. The warning comes after Hertsmere Borough Council licensing and environmental health officers swooped down on a car repair and salvage site, Bushey Breakers, during an all-day raid on Wednesday, April 18. Four people were arrested during the raid which involved 140 police officers, as well as representatives from the UK Border Agency, Environment Agency, the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Customs and Revenue. One man is being investigated by council officers for failing to keep complete records of vehicles that were in his possession. Gavin Burns, principal environmental health officer at the council said: "Under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 and Motor Salvage Regulations Act 2002, it is a requirement by law to keep a record of the vehicle registration number, the make, model and colour of the vehicle, and the name, address and contact details of the supplier. If the vehicle is sold, the name, address and contact details of the buyer, must also be recorded. "Failure to do so is a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of £2,500. Failure to register as a motor salvage operator carries a maximum fine of £5,000." Thanks to watfordobserver.co.uk