SCRAP METAL
DEALERS ACT 2013
Following the dramatic increase in theft of metals,
in 2013 UK Government introduced new legislation to regulate the vehicle
dismantling & scrap metal industry.
This includes ‘mobile’ operators.
This is called the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. It is currently law in England, Wales,
& Scotland.
Since 1st October 2013 all vehicle dismantlers, salvage operators and
scrap yards, including mobile collectors, have to register with their local
government authority.
A license is then
issued to each operator.
It is a legal
requirement for these licenses to be clearly displayed; with mobile operators
the license should be clearly displayed in the truck window. You should check this before handing over your
car.
The Environment Agency is also
keeping an on-line list of registered ‘dealers’ which you can use to check
anybody offering to dispose of your old vehicle.
You can inspect the public register HERE
It is now illegal for vehicle dismantlers, scrap
yards or mobile collector to pay cash for scrap cars.
The only payment methods acceptable are
cheque, bank transfer or other electronic methods (such as credit card reverse
payments).
So if you are selling a scrap
car & you are offered cash, beware, this is an illegal operator.
Vehicle dismantlers & scrap yards are now also required
to obtain proof of identity of all sellers, & they need to record this (by
taking a scan, photocopy or digital image).
The UK
photocard driving license is the most common form of ID requested.
You should always be particularly careful about
transacting with any mobile collector operating without an established site.
REMEMBER.
IF YOU WANT TO STAY SAFE & LEGAL - USE A VRA MEMBER