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  by pltm
• Oct 13, 2021
• 7

(PLTM) - Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Community Officers in East End are spearheading an initiative to remove many of the derelict vehicles that line the roadways, straddle sidewalks and make road travel unsafe for both motorists and pedestrians on the eastern side of Tortola.

According to police, this aggressive crackdown is targeting over 60 derelict vehicles in the first instance, but will continue with boats, trailers and other types of equipment abandoned along roadways.

All 60 were tagged or owners served notice and the removal process, which is coordinated through the Department of Waste Management, should be completed in the coming days.

Officers partnered with Waste Management Head Neville Allen, Representatives for 7th and 8th Districts Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Hon. Marlon Penn and At-Large Representative Hon. Neville Smith to tackle the long-neglected problem.

The Derelict Vehicles (Disposal) Act 2000 section 7(1) states that if it appears to the manager of Department of Waste Management that a vehicle has been abandoned, disused or in a dilapidated condition in or upon any road or public space, he or she may give notice in writing to the owner of that vehicle or affixed notice to the vehicle requiring that vehicle to be removed within a period of fourteen days.

Even before the hurricanes of 2017, the Territory saw an alarming increase in derelict vehicles along the public roadways. Scores more of these derelicts now line the roadways, blocking sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into streets and oncoming traffic.

Several plots of land in the East End Policing District have become dumping grounds for such vehicles including Paraquita Bay, Long Look, Greenland, Josiah’s Bay and Nottingham Estate.

One of the RVIPF strategic priorities is to foster a more responsible, educated road user community through the use of all the present provisions of the law to enhance road traffic safety. This initiative should create safer roadways in these districts, encourage proper waste disposal and improve the aesthetics of the East End districts.

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