The government has imposed a new fee to help clean up derelict vehicles across the territory.
The one-time Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee, which ranges from $60 to $125 depending on vehicle size, will be collected as part of the vehicle-licensing process, government announced this month.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development implemented the new regime in accordance with the Derelict Vehicles Disposal Act, 2000, according to government.
“With the fee now in effect, vehicle owners are playing their part in ensuring that the Virgin Islands remains clean, safe and environmentally sound,” Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley said. “This initiative not only addresses the problem of abandoned vehicles, but also enhances our tourism product, protects public health, and reinforces accountability.”
Tiered system
Under the new system, owners of “Category A” vehicles between 1,500 to 3,000 pounds pay $60; owners of “Category B” vehicles between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds pay $85; and owners of “Category C” vehicles over 6,000 pounds pay $125, government stated.
The fees are designed to directly support the removal, processing and export of derelict vehicles across the territory.
The 2000 law also empowers authorities to issue notices and impound vehicles abandoned on public or private land, according to government.
“Once a notice is issued, vehicle owners have 14 days for removal on public property and 21 days on private property before government proceeds with removal and disposal,” government added.
