The KSAMC has continued its drive to remove derelict vehicles from our streets, including community roads and major thoroughfares. From January to the end of August, we have removed more than 700 derelict vehicles. Most of these vehicles are no longer roadworthy (meaning they cannot be driven) and have been left along the roadside or other public thoroughfares by residents.

While the City Inspector's Department has always carried out removal of derelict vehicles, these activities have been ‘ramped up’, as part of our Cleaner Kingston Initiative, which has now been ongoing for two years.

This increased effort, however, has created another challenge, as the municipal car pound is now operating at capacity, largely because many of the vehicles removed are not being reclaimed by their owners.

The removal of these vehicles comes at a cost to the KSAMC, as we have to pay the wrecker fees and the cost of security while they remain at the car pound. While the KSAMC has the authority to dispose of motor vehicles within our custody, the laws which govern this activity require us to retain these vehicles for a specified period before they can be auctioned. This severely hampers removal of other similar motor vehicles from public thoroughfares as there is no space to store them.

Even when vehicles are put up for auction, there is often little to no public interest

1. They are of very little use, even for parts,

2. The process of transferring ownership can be complicated.

Another challenge is that the KSAMC cannot simply dispose of these vehicles as scrap metal, as the current law does not permit us to do so. The Corporation is therefore continuing to explore practical solutions that would allow these vehicles to be disposed of in a more timely manner, while ensuring that we remain fully compliant with the existing legal framework.

We will also be making recommendations for the review of the current legislation to facilitate a more timely and efficient process. We must begin the conversation and, where necessary, amend the law to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the realities and challenges we face today.

We also want to remind residents that leaving derelict vehicles in public spaces is not simply an issue of appearance or aesthetics. These vehicles can create significant public health, safety and security concerns. They can obstruct sidewalks and force pedestrians, including persons with disabilities, into the roadway. They can also create spaces for illegal dumping and provide opportunities for other unlawful activities.

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