Market Drayton public car park used for selling untaxed vehicles

Several vehicles, believed to be owned by the same person, had to be seized by police from Market Drayton's swimming pool car park.

It comes just weeks after motorists claimed they are being forced to abandon their cars on grass verges and pavements because of a lack of parking at the car park.

Constable Mick Sturland, of Market Drayton's safer neighbourhood team, said: "We had a report about several cars parked on the swimming pool car park, which had been there for some time and were taking up valuable parking bays.

"After some investigation, we found seven had no vehicle excise licence and one was declared off road to DVLA.

"We now have specially trained officers who have the authority to seize untaxed vehicles kept on public roads, which includes car parks.

"We believed these cars were all owned by the same person who was using the car park to sell cars.

"All were seized and will cost the owner to have them back, plus the tax. An expensive day!

"Car tax is something we all have to pay and at least these have been taken off the road."

Last month users of the town's swimming pool said it can be a "nightmare" trying to find anywhere to park due to people using the free car park for shopping trips into town and to park for work.

Resident Stuart Farnell said a lot of people use the swimming pool’s car park due to a lack of free parking within Market Drayton.

Officials from Shropshire Council said they are aware the car park is "well used" and they will continue to monitor the situation and work with partners.