Motor Salvage Operators
Last updated: 08 January 2013 11:22 UKMain contact: Hazel Maidment
Telephone No: 023 9283 4572
E-mail: licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
If you are a motor salvage operator, you must be registered with your local authority.
Eligibility criteria
A person is a motor salvage operator if they:
- Recover for reuse or sale, in whole or in part, salvageable parts from motor vehicles and sell or otherwise dispose of the rest of the vehicle
- Mainly or wholly buy written-off vehicles and repair and resell the same vehicle
- Mainly or wholly sell or buy motor vehicles that are to be subject to any of the two activities about
- Carry out activities that fall under the latter two points above
Regulation summary
Motor Salvage Operators are required to register with the local authority in accordance with the Motor Salvage Operators Regulations 2002 and Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001.
The Regulations were introduced under the Act to regulate the motor salvage industry on a statutory basis. The decision to regulate this type of salvage arose from a court case which decided that motor salvage operators could not be registered under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.
Application evaluation
Applications for registration must comply with any requirements set by the local authority and must be accompanied by a fee.
Applications will be refused if the local authority is not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator. The local authority will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application or an application for a a renewal is refused the local authority does not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.
A local authority may cancel a registration and does not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.
If a local authority intends to refuse an application or cancel a registration they must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what they are proposing to do, the reasons for it and the period during which the person may make representations. This period must not be less that 14 days and starts from the date of service of the notice.
A notice will be served detailing the decision of the local authority as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.
Will tacit consent apply?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period which is maximum of 56 days.
If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
You may apply by:
downloading the attached form and sending together with any required supporting documents to the postal address below; or submit an online application:
Application to register as a motor salvage operatorApplication to change details of a current registration
Application to surrender a current registration
Application to renew a registration as a motor salvage operator
We are sorry but these links are not currently available. We are working to rectify this as soon as possible.
Failed application redress
Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance:Tel: 023 9283 4572 email: licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
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 the Local Authority in the first instance:
Tel: 023 9283 4572 email: licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
If an application for renewal is refused or a registration is cancelled the operator may appeal to the local Magistrates’ Court. Application 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 (external link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link).
Please contact the Local Authority:
Tel: 023 9283 4572 email: licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Scale of fees
The registration costs £78.00 for a period of three years and thereafter a further application form will need to be submitted to the Licensing Authority two months before the expiry of the existing registration, together with the appropriate registration fee.
Cheques must be made payable to Portsmouth City Council.
Public Register
