Curbing the kerbside Del Boys - City gets green light to act
October 21, 2003 12:00 AM
Following lobbying by the city council lead by the ruling Lib Dem group, Cambridge has been given permission by the government to ban the roadside sale of vehicles, as long as it part of a business.
According to Cllr Nichola Harrison, Executive Councillor for the Environment:
"I am glad to say the government has made a U turn...Initially they denied that this was a problem councils needed to tackle and therefore was not a suitable subject for a local bye-law.
We protested and now have this decision.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has agreed our request and now we can go ahead with the bye-law to ban this public nuisance.
There has been a growing problem in Cambridge and elsewhere of car traders using roads and verges to display vehicles for sale. The bye-law would make this a criminal offence punishable by a fine [of up to £500]".
Will this mean a stop to private sales of vehicles?
"Definitely not", says Cllr Harrison. "We have no wish to penalise the honest private citizen wanting to sell their car or van. The bye-law will be targeted at those few traders who think that the public street is a cheap alternative to proper commercial premises. It's all part of our commitment to keep our streets safe, clean and clear."
"We are now waiting from John Prescott's department to advise us on how the bye-law imposing the ban should be worded. As soon as we have this, we will make the bye-law. The ODPM will then consider any objections and decide whether or not to give the bye-law the thumbs up."
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