Abandoned vehicle infomation system

The Cardiff Community Safety Partnership’s Arson Task Group – which incorporates South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Cardiff Council and South Wales Police – is using ELVIS–VR (Easy Link Vehicle Information System for Vehicle Recovery) to provide a central database for abandoned vehicle information. The new system is designed to improve the efficiency when vehicles need recovering. It is also hoped the new system will reduce the incidents of arson.

The system, which has been developed by Bristol-based WPC Software, records all data about a vehicle`s removal and disposal and automates many tasks, such as informing removal contractors. This reduces the need for paperwork and saves organisations time and money.

In March, before the system was installed, it took an average of 14.4 days for a vehicle to be removed from the point of it being reported. In June, following the system’s installation, that figure fell to an average of 9.3 days (a reduction of 35 per cent).

Des Mason, Arson Reduction Officer for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who has been at the forefront of the systems development, said: “This year the cost to the taxpayer to put vehicle fires out in Cardiff is approximately £2 million. The education and advertising campaign is working though, as in 2003, the annual cost was over £3 million.

“If you see an abandoned vehicle or have an unwanted vehicle, phone the Single Non-Emergency Number – 101 – and an appointment can be arranged for removal. We want the public to work with us to have a cleaner, safer Cardiff.”

Chief Superintendent Bob Evans, South Wales Police Divisional Commander for Cardiff said: “The dangers involved in car theft and arson are significant and the after effect of burnt and abandoned vehicles littered around our communities has a huge effect on residents. This system allows us to work even more effectively with our partners in a bid to clean up Cardiff and make it the safest city in the UK.”

Councillor Elgan Morgan, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The new software will enable Cardiff Council to deal with abandoned and unwanted vehicles more quickly and efficiently so that they don’t become a target for arsonists.

“The system provides us with a fast, electronic link with our partners – previously we had to rely on faxes and the telephone – it also automatically notifies our vehicle inspectors when a vehicle is reported abandoned.”

The intention is to roll out the system to other local authorities once it has been successfully trialled in Cardiff.