Auto resale lot moves parking spots

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The 100th Force Support Squadron Bob Hope Community Center auto resale lot has recently moved location.

The lot was previously near building 582, the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron distribution building.

"It was over by lodging reception in front of the gates by what was the large supply center," said Stephanie Lown, 100th FSS BHCC director from Sudbury, Suffolk.

However, with the expansion of use of building 582 came the increased number of personnel, so more parking was needed surrounding the building.

"The reason for the move was to free up parking around the new supply building to allow their employees to park closer to where they work," explained Lown. "Now it's located in the laundromat parking lot toward the back. All the parking spaces for the auto resale are the numbered spaces."

The new location means a larger surface area and more space for vehicles.

"The parking lot has grown in size with the demolition of the dormitory buildings," Lown said.

The first stop for people wanting to sell their car is still the BHCC. Anyone wishing to register their vehicle should come to the front desk and any member of staff can assist them.

There are strict rules to ensure only road worthy vehicles are sold on base.

"The member has to bring their V5 (log book) to prove they own the car, the Ministry of Transport certificate if their car is more than three years old and proof of insurance. If they are selling the car on behalf of someone else, i.e., if they are not the registered owner, they have to bring in a power of attorney from the registered owner of the vehicle," Lown explained. "You don't have to go to a specific numbered lot, just use the ones with numbers painted on the parking space. And customers must put the sign that we give them in the car. If not, they could get a ticket from the 100th Security Forces Squadron. They can put their own "for sale" sign up as well, but ours must be up there."

There is a charge for the service.

"We charge $15 for a calendar month, so if you come in on the third of January it will run through until the third of February," she said, adding that money must be paid monthly.
There is also the opportunity for the owner to utilize the vehicle until it is sold.

"We don't stipulate that once your car is in the resale lot you have to keep it there. Some people use that vehicle to get to and from work, and park it in the resale lot during the day. So vehicles can come in and out," Lown said.

The resale lot is open to all base users.

"As long as you have base access you are OK to use the auto resale lot," Lown added.

However, some vehicles are tax-exempt, and some are not, so those using the lot must be sure of the rules.

"If people are unsure if they have a value-added-tax-free vehicle and they are selling it to someone who is not entitled to a VAT free vehicle, they need to go through the 100th SFS Pass and Identification Office to find out the rules," the director said.

For more information about the resale lot, contact the BHCC at DSN 238-2579, or commercial at 01638 542579.