Motor salvage operator

Motor salvage operators must register with the council.

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

View summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Evaluation process

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

We may cancel a registration and do not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.

If we intend to refuse an application or cancel a registration we 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 our decision as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.

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

As it is in the public interest that we process your application before it is granted, you cannot operate as a motor salvage operator until your application has been approved. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Apply

Complaints and appeals

Please contact us with any complaints or appeals. If an application is refused you may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the notice from us.

Consumer complaints

We would advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, please contact the Licensing Authority.

If you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Contact us

London Borough of Tower Hamlets - Licensing Section
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO BOX 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 1BY

Tel: 020 7364 5008
Fax: 020 7364 0863 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday only)