Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to encourage data sharing between the DVLA, police, local authorities and other key agencies to facilitate the swift removal of abandoned vehicles.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has secure data sharing arrangements in place for key agencies, including local authorities and the police, to obtain information on registered keeper details where a vehicle appears to be abandoned.

Local authorities are responsible for the removal of abandoned vehicles. They are able to do so using powers contained in the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2006. Alternatively, the police can remove any vehicle that is causing an obstruction, is likely to cause danger, or is broken down or abandoned without lawful authority.