DPP wrote to judge over clamped car dealer

LONDONDERRY District Policing Partnership (DPP) has written to District Judge Barney McElholm over the case of a car dealer clamped by the Drivers and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in the city despite his vehicle having had an EU trade plate.

The PSNI Acting Chief Inspector has also agreed to assign a police officer to investigate the matter further.

The Environment Minister Alex Attwood is also aware of the matter.

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Paul Dunleavy of Modern Motors, Letterkenny, was stopped last month and the car he was travelling in clamped as an unlicensed vehicle - despite the vehicle clearly displaying southern trade plates.

Trade plates are used by motor dealers to transport vehicles on the road which are yet to be registered or taxed.

A spokesperson for the DPP confirmed that it has written to District Judge McElholm in relation to the case of Mr Dunleavy and the legality of EU trading plates within Northern Ireland.

“The DPP wrote the letter following a public meeting of the DPP in Park last month at which the matter was raised.

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“The PSNI Acting Chief Inspector, who was in attendance at the meeting, also agreed to assign a police officer to investigate the matter further,” the spokesperson stated.

Last week Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney asked the Environment Minister to detail the legislation that allows cars with trade plates from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) to be clamped by the DVA.

He replied: “Vehicle licensing is administered by the DVA in Northern Ireland under an agreement between my Department and the Department for Transport. It is currently an excepted matter which is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport.

“I am aware that an issue has arisen in relation to this legislation and that a view has been taken in Derry D.P.P. in relation to one case.

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“I have asked for information in relation to the case, the basis for Derry D.P.P taking a view on the case, the position in law in relation to powers under the current legislation and other relevant information.”

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