Labour council seizes and destroys several vehicles in brutal move to motorists - 'Real nuisance'

The latest round of enforcement took place at the beginning of December, again focusing on the Bowling and Barkerend Ward, where streets have become hotspots for dumped cars, nuisance vehicles and long-term non-tax compliance.

The operation was carried out jointly by the council's Traffic and Enforcement Team, West Yorkshire Police, and recovery firm Stoneywood.

It follows a similar sweep in November, when 11 more cars were seized, bringing the total for this short enforcement burst to 32 vehicles.

The council said these targeted operations are now happening regularly across Bradford after it was granted enhanced enforcement powers in 2023.

Under UK law, officers can seize any vehicle found on public roads, including some open-air car parks, if it does not have valid road tax.

Even cars with a Statutory Off Road Notification are not exempt if they are parked anywhere that counts as a public roadway, the council warned.

According to the authority, most of the seized vehicles can be reclaimed, but only if the registered keeper proves the vehicle has been taxed or agrees to store it off the public highway. If they fail to come forward, the cars face the crusher.

Since obtaining these powers two years ago, Bradford Council has seized a staggering 573 vehicles, including 27 abandoned caravans and 13 trailers, in an attempt to tackle the growing number of nuisance motors dumped across neighbourhoods.

Of these, just 245 have been successfully reclaimed by their owners. A further 65 are still sitting in the impound awaiting collection or disposal.

But the largest group is the motors that don't get claimed at all, with the council detailing how it has already crushed 253 vehicles, while 54 others have been sold at auction, with the proceeds used to help recover the cost of the enforcement work.

The figures, the council argued, show just how widespread the problem has become across the Bradford district, with hundreds of untaxed or abandoned vehicles cluttering pavements, occupying residents' parking spaces and attracting complaints.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: "This latest operation with local teams from West Yorkshire Police has seen vehicles removed from streets in the Bowling and Barkerend Ward of the district.

"I'd like to thank our council officers, who, with the support of West Yorkshire Police, have been working to remove these abandoned vehicles, which are a real nuisance and a blight on local communities. Please continue to report these untaxed and abandoned vehicles to us."

The council stated public reporting remains essential, helping officers pinpoint problem locations and justify rapid intervention.

Areas including Keighley East, Keighley Central, Manningham, Great Horton, Little Horton, Thornton, Allerton and Queensbury have all been targeted in recent months.

Residents who spot a suspicious, untaxed or seemingly abandoned motor have been urged to report it via the council website.

Beyond seizing vehicles, the Traffic and Enforcement Team has been responsible for keeping Bradford moving during major community events such as Remembrance commemorations and Christmas light switch-ons.

Officers operate a 24-hour emergency response service, dealing with sudden road closures caused by sinkholes, floods, dangerous structures and police incidents, but vehicle enforcement remains one of the most visible issues affecting residents day to day.

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