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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 16 May 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Caravans: Devon

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of abandoned caravans in Devon.

Answer

The Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 places a duty on councils to remove vehicles that are abandoned on land in the open air or on roads. The definition of vehicle within the act includes trailers designed to be towed behind vehicles. This would include caravans.

This duty applies on private land and private roads. Councils can take enforcement action against people who abandon vehicles by issuing a fixed penalty notice or prosecuting them. It is for councils to determine whether any particular vehicle has been abandoned, and whether it is subject to their duty to remove it. The Government has published guidance for councils on abandoned vehicles at: Abandoned vehicles: local authority responsibilities - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
52413
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Caravans Abandoned vehicles Devon
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk