Camden Council has apologised after a “breakdown in communication between our departments” led to a tenant’s £10,000 off-road quad bike being impounded and destroyed. The four-wheel “all-terrain vehicle” was issued a “B-notice” for being parked without registration plates showing in bays off Wellesley Road, Queens Crescent.
Owner's Frustration
Marcus Jordan, the owner, expressed his frustration, stating that the bike was a non-runner when purchased as a restoration project for personal and future business usage. He described it as a four-wheel promotional vehicle for his business, extremely important to any future earning. Mr Jordan emphasised that the vehicle is made for on- or off-road use and does not need a registration plate unless being driven on a public road, which it was not.
“The claims of being abandoned are simply ridiculous, as I was actively working on this project daily, then weekly as I awaited replacement parts. I truly believe it was sold for a profit, as destruction in one day is highly unlikely,” Mr Jordan added. He is now seeking financial compensation for the loss.
Council's Response
In a letter to Mr Jordan as part of the complaints process, the council explained that Environment Services gave additional time for the owner to come forward before instructing the contractor to remove the vehicle. However, Environment Services had not been made aware that Mr Jordan had made contact until they received his email via Veolia’s contact centre on August 28.
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We extend our apologies to Mr Jordan for any stress caused by the destruction of his vehicle. We take action on abandoned vehicles very seriously, and as this vehicle was parked on public land without registration plates it could have reasonably been removed or destroyed. We did issue a notice for the owner to move it, but on this occasion an internal miscommunication meant that our removal team did not receive the response. We have advised Mr Jordan on how to make a claim for compensation.”
