MOTORISTS whose vehicles have been seized by the authorities for 30 days or more can qualify for an amnesty being offered by the Government starting April 15.

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies told the House of Representatives Wednesday that, in an effort to resolve the issue of some 1,400 vehicles in the Government's pounds, he has approved a proposal from the Transport Authority to implement an amnesty projected to last three months.

Dr Davies explained that the rules of the amnesty were:

* Vehicles in the pound for less than 30 days will not qualify for the special treatment to be accorded;

* If the valuation of a vehicle is greater than the outstanding fees, the Authority will apply a 50 per cent discount to the amount of fees owed;

* If the valuation is less than the outstanding fee, then the authority will seek to recover no less than the valuation amount;

* Vehicles which are not successfully disposed of in the amnesty will be auctioned.

He said that a preliminary assessment of the outstanding fees and valuations suggests that the majority of the vehicles will have to be released at the valuation figure. The Transport Authority will commence the amnesty on April 15, following newspaper advisories on Sunday, March 25; Wednesday, March 28 and Friday March 30.

He said that during the period of the amnesty, in order to have expeditious execution, representatives of the finance department of the Transport Authority will be posted at each pound to check the vehicle documents, collect payments and issue receipts. Upon signing a letter of indemnity, the vehicle will be released to the owner.