Rules giving the government and local authorities stronger powers to deal with abandoned or neglected vehicles could be in place soon.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer admitted in the House of Keys that the current legislation was not fit for purpose.

But that could change when the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2016 - which was referred by the Legislative Council to a committee for consideration last year - completes its passage.

Mr Harmer said he hoped the committee stage would be completed soon, allowing the bill to progress to the House of Keys for further consideration.

’An amendment is proposed which will allow for the removal of an additional category of vehicle, this being a vehicle causing offence,’ said Mr Harmer. ’This amendment is intended to address issues with regard to any vehicle that may not have been abandoned, but is in such a neglected condition that its presence causes offence.’

During 2016/17, department officers removed 120 vehicles considered abandoned and local authorities took away a further nine.

Under the new legislation, the DoI would also have powers to remove vehicles not displaying a valid tax disc.

In addition, the department would be able to prevent the release of a removed vehicle until any outstanding vehicle duty or fixed penalties were paid.