The Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 provides that motor salvage operators operating within the District are required to register with the Council and to keep records.
The Act and associated Regulations reduces the opportunity to dispose of stolen vehicles by requiring operators to register and maintain appropriate records, carry out identity checks on vendors and purchasers and allow the police the right of entry and search of their premises.
A person is required to be registered as a motor salvage operator if they run a business that consists:
- Wholly or partly in the recovery for re-use or sale of salvageable parts from motor vehicles and the subsequent sale or other disposal for scrap of the remainder of the vehicles concerned.
- Wholly or partly in the purchase of written-off vehicles and their subsequent repair or re-sale.
- Wholly or mainly in the sale or purchase of motor vehicles which are to the subject (whether immediately or on a subsequent re-sale) of any of the activities mentioned above
- Wholly or mainly in activities falling within the second and third paragraphs.
The above applies only to motor salvage operators. If you are registered as a scrap metal dealer you will only need to register as a motor salvage operator if your business also includes the above.
Applying for a motor salvage operator licence
Apply online via the UK Welcomes website:
Apply by post or in person
Please complete the application form (see 'Downloads') and return it to the Licensing Office. Details of the information you need to include with your application are on the form.
If you have any queries in relation to completing the form then please refer to the guidance notes attached. Should you have any problems then do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Office.
Once you have completed the form then please either return it in person to our public desk or post it to the Licensing Office.
Considering your application
The Council must be satisfied that you are a fit and proper to carry on business as a motor salvage operator, to help us make a decision we shall have regard to:
- Relevant previous convictions.
- Whether you or any directors or partners of the business are registered as bankrupt.
- A criminal records check and objections from the Police.
Period of processing
20 working days
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it.
Duration of the licence
A motor salvage operator licence is valid for 3 years
Fee
Full details of our current fees are available (see 'Downloads')
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Wakefield Council in the first instance.
If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact Wakefield Council in the first instance.
If an application for renewal is refused or a registration is cancelled the operator may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade Associations
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Online forms provided
