Action Line: Can we clear up the broken cars? Published April 1, 2011 By Col. John T. Quintas 48th Fighter Wing commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- COMPLAINT: First, I would like to say that Lakenheath has some fantastic fitness classes to offer the base and I really enjoy going to the classes. However, during peak gym time (usually 1130) I cannot find a parking spot to save my life. The instructors are often late because they can't find spots either. I usually have to park in the hospital parking lot, which takes up their limited spaces. I've been noticing though, there are several cars parked in the lot in front of the gym that are broken down, rusty or have flat tires. Is there a way to have those cars removed to free up more parking spaces? RESPONSE: Thank you for your concern regarding the impact of broken down vehicles on our installation. I have the same concern, and we've already started making great progress. The appearance of, and abandonment of, vehicles here is a systemic problem primarily due to personnel failing to maintain their POV in good order or following proper registration, licensing, and taxing procedures. In accordance with Title 10 USC, DOD 4160.21M, AFI 31-206, SFOI 31-206, and LAKI 31-204, there is a process for removing vehicles from the installation. If the vehicle is identified as abandoned, there are specific steps we must follow. Once a vehicle has been identified by security forces as abandoned, a minimum of 60 days must pass before SFS can act upon removing the vehicle. During this time period, we make attempts via DVLA, DEERS, SFMIS, email, phone, certified mail, etc to contact the registered owner of the vehicle. If we are able to locate the registered owner within the 60 days, the owner can surrender/sign over the vehicle for disposal. If the vehicles at the gym are indeed abandoned, they will be dealt with; however, this process does take time. The 48th Security Forces Squadron has been dedicated and focused on this issue. During the last two weeks, they have removed 19 vehicles from the installation and identified 30 vehicles on the installation as abandoned. We are working as hard as we can to tackle this issue to end this systemic eye sore and make available more parking spots. Finally, I must also heavily rely upon commanders, first sergeants and supervisors at all levels to help ensure their personnel are not abandoning property on the installation. If you recognize a vehicle has being abandoned or broken down in place for a long period of time, please let the base defense operations center/law enforcement desk know. Thank you, and please continue to keep an eye out for ways to improve our base and keep RAF Lakenheath somewhere we are proud to call home! ******************************************* The Action Line is your direct link to the commander for complaints, suggestions or comments. It's not intended to replace the chain of command. When normal command agency channels haven't been able to resolve your concerns, call 226-2324, e-mail Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil , send through distribution (48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215 APO AE 09461-0215) or hand carry your Action Line to the public affairs office (Building 1063). You may remain anonymous; however, to receive a reply, please leave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APO mailing address. Names are confidential.