Article: Registration - Motor Salvage Operator Article Body Vehicle crime is cited as being one of the largest single categories of recorded crime. To make it more difficult for criminals to dispose of stolen vehicles, the Vehicle (Crimes) Act 2001 and the Motor Salvage Operators Regulations 2002 have been introduced. Motor salvage operators are now required to: Register with the council in whose area they are operating Maintain appropriate records of all vehicle purchases and disposals Carry out full identification checks of vendors and purchasers; and Allow the police (and other investigators) the right of entry to the premises and the right of search. A warrant is not required where the police require entry to a registered premise. The motor salvage operators will not be able to carry out their business unless they have registered with the local council. It is an offence to operate a motor salvage business that has not been registered. Summary conviction of this offence may lead to a fine not exceeding level 5 (currently £5000) on the standard scale. Definition of a motor salvage operator A person shall be classed as a motor salvage operator if he carries on business that consists: (a) Wholly or partly in the recovery for re-use or sale of salvagable parts from motor vehicles and the subsequent sale or other disposal for scrap of the remainder of the vehicles concerned; (b) Wholly or mainly in the purchase of written-off vehicles and their subsequent repair and re-sale; (c) Wholly or mainly in the sale or purchase of motor vehicles which are to be the subject (whether immediately or on a subsequent re-sale) or any of the activities mentioned in (a) or (b); or (d) Wholly or mainly in activities falling within paragraphs (b) and (c). Period of registration Registration of the motor salvage operation is valid for three years starting from the date that the entry was made in the council's "Register of Motor Salvage Operators". If the motor salvage operator wishes to continue in the uninterrupted functioning of its motor salvage activities, it must submit a valid application for the renewal of its registration to the local council prior to cessation of the existing registration period. An operator is deemed to have ceased to be registered if they have not made an application of their existing registration. Determination of registration In deciding whether to approve registration, the council must be satisfied that the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person, taking into account: a) Various unspent convictions, including the offences of - Theft or attempted theft of or from a motor vehicles, contrary to Section 1 of the Theft Act 1968; Taking a motor vehicle without consent, contrary to Section 12 of the Theft Act 1968; Aggravated vehicle taking, contrary to Section 12A of the Theft Act 1968; Handling stolen goods, contrary to Section 22 of the Theft Act 1968; Going equipped to steal or take a motor vehicle, contrary to Section 25 of the Theft Act 1968; Interference with a motor vehicle, contrary to Section 9 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981; Tampering with a motor vehicle, contrary to Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act 1988; Convictions for offences under Part 1 of the Vehicle Crimes Act 2001. b) Details of any undischarged bankruptcy of the applicant or any directors or partners of the applicant business; and information provided by the police (which must be disclosed to the applicant). Where it is the council's decision to refuse or cancel registration, it must serve a notice on the applicant informing them of their intention to do so, the reasons why, and the period in which the applicant can make representation to the council (not less than 14 days). Representations may be made orally or in writing. If after representations have been made the council decides to proceed with the refusal or cancellation of the registration it must serve a notice on the applicant informing them of their decision, and also providing them with details relating to their rights of appeal against the decision. Charges/fees There is a fee of £75 to register as a motor salvage operator. The council provides a number of methods for making payment of licence fees. Registration form Application for Registration as a Motor Salvage Operator (PDF 147kb) Postal registrations must be made by sending a completed form to the address below. Please ensure you enclose a cheque for the correct amount, made payable to Barnsley MBC. Your registration will not be considered to be valid without receipt of the necessary payment. Supporting Information Click on the link for further details on the Motor Salvage Operators Regulations. Contact information Licensing Section Regulatory Services, Barnsley Council, PO Box 602, Barnsley, S70 9FB Our office hours are 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday. Phone: 01226 772468 Fax: 01226 775699 Email: regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk