Frequently Asked Questions

'Text the Council' on 07876 131415

What is 'Text the Council' ?

The service will allow Fareham Borough Council to remain informed about issues that we are aiming to eliminate from Fareham. The mobile phone (SMS) texting and (MMS) multimedia messaging service allows you to send a text message while you are out and about with your mobile phone. Text the Council regarding;

• Vandalism
• Abandoned vehicles
• Litter
• Fly-tipping
• Graffiti
• Stray dogs
• Dog fouling
• Recycling bins
• Public toilets
• Refuse collection
• Trees / shrubs
• Grass cutting
• Street cleaning
• Street nameplates
• Street lights
• Street furniture
• Roads
• Manhole covers
• Kerbing / footpaths

How do I text?

First, save the number 07876 131415 to your phone (see your mobile phone instructions on how to do this). This is important as you never know when you will need to use it. If you notice an area needing attention, text your message to us. Please be as descriptive as possible.

Example 1 - Benches at the memorial garden in Osborne road vandalised

Example 2 - Bandstand in West Street vandalised

Example 3 - Rubbish dumped in the Titchfield children's park

Example 4 - Meters at the High street car park north entrance smashed

Example 5 - Abandoned Car at the back of a Council Property

If you would like a reply please include the word 'REPLY' to your message.

Young People

Tell us what you think about Fareham, how you think we can improve things for young people, tell us what we do well, or simply just tell us your ideas.  Please prefix your message with 'YOUTH'.

Can I send a photo from my mobile phone to 07876 131415?

Yes, if your mobile phone has the capability to send photographs, sometimes referred to as 'photo messaging' you can send them to 07876 131415. Some mobile phones are able to record and send video clips as well as photographs. These types of multimedia messages can also be sent.

How much will my text or multimedia message cost to send?

The cost of sending a text or multimedia message is dependant on the mobile phone tariff you use. (Refer to your mobile network service provider for details of charges) . The Council does not make any additional charge.

Where does my text message go?

Your text or multimedia message will go directly to Fareham's Customer Service Centre who will then inform the relevant Department of the problem.

What is SMS and MMS messaging?

Short Message Service (SMS), is a text based messaging service for mobile phones. SMS messages can be sent between mobile phones (even across phone networks), and can also be sent from the World Wide Web. The number of characters in the message is usually 128-160 characters.

With Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), you can combine photographs, images, video clips, text and sound in a single message. The number of characters in a text message is usually 500 characters. Like SMS messages, MMS messages can also be sent between mobile phones and from the World Wide Web. To use these facilities on your mobile phone, it must be MMS compatible and your mobile network service provider needs to provide the service. Contact your mobile network service provider for further details on sending MMS messages.

MMS messaging is sometimes referred to as 'photo messaging', 'picture messaging', 'media messaging' and 'picture and video messaging'.

What if I don't have a mobile phone?

You can ring on (01329) 236100, write, e-mail, fax or come in to the Civic Offices. Full details of all our contact details are available on the contact us page.

Any more questions about 'Text the Council' service ?

For more information please contact the Customer Service Centre on Tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk or send a text message to 07876 131415.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What legislation do we follow for abandoned vehicles?
This Council enforces 3 main pieces of legislation:

Civic Amenities Act 1967
Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 (amended 2002)
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

What is an abandoned vehicle?
An abandoned vehicle is one that appears not to be in regular use and/or is not displaying a valid road disc (unless on private land with the landowner or occupier''s permission) for which no owner can be found.

What if the vehicle is in a river or other body of water?
There is a shared responsibility between the landowner, police and Environment Agency. Any such vehicle can be reported to this Council for investigation.

What happens if the abandoned vehicle is on the highway and taxed?
The Council has no power of removal in respect of taxed vehicles. This is a matter for the police/DVLA, who should be informed accordingly.

Do we deal with burnt out vehicles?
Yes, however, it is important to understand that burnt out vehicles are more than just an eyesore, they represent a substantial risk to health. They contain fluoroelastomers, a synthetic rubber-like material commonly used in the manufacture of gaskets, which are normally harmless. When a vehicle burns it releases small quantities of hydofluoric acid, which is corrosive. If you or members of your family have touched one, wash the skin thoroughly. If you have touched a sticky component, the affected areas of skin should be washed under running cold water for at least 15 minutes and medical advice should be sought. Advise the doctor if possible hydrofluoric acid contamination.

How do I claim an abandoned vehicle?
You will have to satisfy the Council that the vehicle was not abandoned and prove that you are the legal, registered keeper. If the vehicle is in storage, you will be required to pay any outstanding costs incurred before the vehicle is released. If you are responsible for the abandonment of any vehicle you may also be prosecuted. If found guilty, you could be fined up to £2,500 or face up to 3 months imprisonment.

What happens to unclaimed vehicles?
Wrecked, untaxed vehicles, abandoned on the highway, can be authorised for disposal after only 24 hours. If the vehicle is in good condition, untaxed and in a similar location, the time period is 7 days. Vehicles abandoned on all other land in the open air can be disposed of, after the expiry of a 15 day Notice or sooner, if the land owner/occupier confirms that the vehicle is not wanted on their land. Vehicles of a higher value will be taken into storage and tenders will be sought for their sale in order to recoup some of the costs incurred.

How does the Council respond to a complaint of an abandoned vehicle?
Our enforcement officer will:-

Visit the vehicle within 2 working days after receiving the notification.
Assess the vehicle and if in the opinion of the Council it appears to be abandoned and is on the public highway, the appropriate notice will be attached to the same ie, 7 day disposal/destruction notice or a 24 hour destruction notice (wreck).
On all other land in the open air, a 15 day notice is placed on the vehicle, to inform the registered keeper of the vehicle and/or the owner/occupier of the land, that the vehicle is being viewed as abandoned.
Take all necessary steps to trace the owner of the vehicle. If the registered keeper/owner cannot be traced then, on expiry of the notice, the vehicle will be removed and impounded or destroyed.
If the owner of the vehicle comes forward, no further action can be taken by the Council in normal circumstances. Where the vehicle concerned is untaxed, the DVLA should be informed.
Vehicles causing an obstruction or parked in a dangerous position on the highway should also be reported to the police.

What happens if the abandoned vehicle is in a river or other body of water?
There is a shared responsibility between the landowner, police and Environment Agency. Any such vehicle can be reported to this Council for investiga