Police in bid to cut sales of dangerous '˜disposable' cars

Dundee police are bidding to reduce the number of 'disposable' cars in a dangerous condition

Criminals and youngsters without licences can easily buy death-trap cars, according to Chief Superintendent  Paul Anderson, of Police Scotland.

He told councillors in Dundee: “A trend has come to light that vehicles are being bought and sold via social media and other online open sources.

“Although many of the sellers are sincere in their intentions there are those who are selling vehicles to supply local youths and criminals with cheap disposable cars.

“The cars sold by such individuals are sometimes in a dangerous condition.

“Other issues posed are the lack of proper documentation in respect of both vehicle and driver.

“This issue is highlighted by the increase in detections of people driving with no driving licence or insurance.

He presented the findings as part of the local policing quarterly performance results. Ch Supt Anderson said police identified the issue after an increase in the number of people caught driving without a licence or insurance.

A total of 288 people were detected driving in Dundee without a licence between April and September of this year, a 53.2 per cent increase on the same period in 2015.

Those caught driving without insurance numbered 588 between April and September 2016, an increase of 78.7 per cent on the previous  year.

Both figures stand at more than double the five-year average detection rate for Dundee.

“In order to further increase detections, a joint action plan between Dundee Local Policing Authority and ‘D’ Division Divisional Road Policing Unit has been formulated,” said Ch Supt Anderson.

Car owners who sell their motor on could be liable for offences committed in the sold car if they fail to inform the DVLA on the change of ownership status.

A spokesperson for the DVLA said: “When someone sells their vehicle they should inform DVLA immediately.

“If they do not tell us they may still be liable for any offences committed by the buyer in the vehicle until we have been informed of the sale.”