Licence summary

Part 1 of the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001, effective from 21 October 2002, requires motor salvage operators who carry on a business in the area of a Local Authority to register with that Authority and to keep appropriate records detailing the purchase and disposal of vehicles.

Eligibility Criteria

A person is a motor salvage operator if they:

• recover for reuse or sale, in whole or in part, salvageable parts from motor vehicles and sell or otherwise dispose of the rest of the vehicle
• mainly or wholly buy written-off vehicles and repair and resale the same vehicle
• mainly or wholly sell or buy motor vehicles that are to be subject to any of the two activities above
• carry out activities that fall under the latter two points above.

Regulation Summary

Summary of the regulation relating to this registration

Application Evaluation Process

Applications for registration must comply with any requirements set by the Local Authority. Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached. The fee is based upon an application and operating fee.  Should the application not be granted, you will be refunded half the fee. If you require any assistance throughout the application process, please contact us using the details below.

Applications will be refused if the Local Authority is not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator. The Local Authority will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application (or an application for a renewal) is refused, the Local Authority does not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.

A Local Authority may cancel a registration and does not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.

If a Local Authority intends to refuse an application or cancel a registration they must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what they are proposing to do, the reasons for it and the period during which the person may make representations. This period must not be less than 14 days and starts from the date of service of the notice.

A notice will be served detailing the decision of the Local Authority as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.

Notice of changes to registered information must be made to the Local Authority within 28 days of the change.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the Local Authority by the end of the target completion period.

Apply online

The EU Services Directive took effect in late December 2009 with an aim to open up the European Internal Market to cross-border trade in services. There is a requirement for Local Authorities to make certain licensing processes available online.

An online portal, "EUGO", has been established so that service providers can source information with regards to doing business within Europe. In the UK, the portal is called UK Welcomes and is hosted by Business Link.

Apply for a motor salvage operator licence
Tell us a about a change to your existing motor salvage operator licence 

Failed Application Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the Local Authority notice.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. If an application for renewal is refused, or a registration is cancelled, the operator may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the Local Authority notice.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by yourself, preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

Please contact Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in the first instance.

Trade Associations

British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA)
Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association (MVDA)

Further information

Telephone: 01372 732000
Email: contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk