Councillors Chris Watts and Janine Howarth say they have been pursuing the matter with Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police following concerns from residents.
The vehicle was involved in a road traffic collision and has remained at the scene with police tape attached.
According to the councillors, its position is obstructing a pedestrian route used by wheelchair users, parents with prams and people with limited mobility.
They claim some pedestrians have been forced to navigate around the obstruction, raising concerns about public safety.
In a joint statement, the Kingshill Ward councillors said:
“Residents should not have to navigate into the road because a collision-damaged vehicle has been left in place for several days.
“The public expect clear communication, timely action, and a joined-up approach between the Council and the Police. That has not happened here.”
Wiltshire Police has confirmed to the councillors that the vehicle was involved in a road traffic collision and is not being treated as stolen or abandoned.
However, the position of the vehicle is understood to be making its recovery more difficult.
The councillors say nearby parked vehicles could prevent a recovery operator from gaining sufficient access.
Temporary traffic management or cones may also be needed to create enough space for the vehicle to be safely recovered.
Cllr Howarth said:
“Even now, the timeline for removal remains unclear.
“The Council and Police may need to work together to create space, manage traffic, and ensure the recovery can take place safely. Residents deserve certainty about when this obstruction will be cleared.”
Cllr Watts has also criticised the response reportedly given to residents when concerns about the vehicle were first raised.
He said:
“The initial response to residents that the vehicle is taxed and insured and therefore the Council is powerless to act was indefensible and I have raised a complaint.
“Add to this what appears to be a breakdown in communication between Council and the Police, including the Police leaving crime scene tape on the stricken vehicle instead of Police Aware stickers.”
He added:
“These matters still require review. Residents should receive accurate information, timely updates, and a service that takes public safety seriously. This case shows that improvements are needed.”
The councillors want assurances that the vehicle will be removed within the next 24 to 48 hours.
They are also calling for Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police to coordinate any traffic management required for the recovery operation.
Both councillors want the handling of the incident reviewed to help prevent similar problems in future.
Cllr Watts said:
“This is not about blame. It is about learning and ensuring that when incidents occur, agencies communicate properly, act promptly, and put public safety first.”
Cabinet Member for Highways at Swindon Borough Council Nick Gardiner said,
“I understand residents’ frustration and concern about the vehicle obstructing the pavement in Clifton Street, particularly the difficulties this creates for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and parents with pushchairs.”
“The council’s initial response last week was incorrect. It focused on the vehicle’s road-legal status and closed the report without properly addressing the obstruction residents had raised. That should have been followed through, and I am sorry for the frustration and confusion this caused.”
“We have since established that the vehicle was damaged in a road traffic collision and requires recovery. We are treating its removal as a priority and are finalising checks directly with Wiltshire Police to confirm that recovery can proceed without compromising any evidence they may require.”
“The vehicle’s position and nearby parked cars also make recovery more difficult, so safe access needs to be taken into account. Subject to the final police confirmation and the necessary recovery arrangements, I currently anticipate that the vehicle will be removed on Tuesday, 15th September.”
“We also need to learn from the initial handling of this report so residents receive accurate information and concerns about pavement obstructions are properly followed through. Our immediate priority is to have the vehicle safely removed and restore access along the pavement.”
