It's bangers and cash as number of dumped cars plummets

Over the last four years councils across England have seen a 72 per cent drop in the number of abandoned vehicles being reported, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

In 2003 councils had to clear up an average of 800 abandoned vehicles each day but last year this fell to just 225. Council leaders say that a combination of tough enforcement by local authorities cracking down on abandoned cars, new rules deterring would-be car dumpers and high scrap metal prices have all led to a massive drop in the number of wrecks being left on streets.

Regions which have seen the largest drop in the last four years are:

East Midlands - 84 per cent
East of England – 80 per cent
South West – 77 per cent
South East – 75 per cent
North East – 70 per cent

Council areas which have seen the largest drop in the last four years are:

Blaby – 99 per cent
South Buckinghamshire – 97 per cent
Maidstone – 95 per cent
Suffolk Coastal – 95 per cent
Hillingdon – 94 per cent

Cllr Paul Bettison, Chairman of the Environment board at the Local Government Association, which represents over 400 councils in England and Wales, said: “A triple whammy of cracking down on would be dumpers, quicker clearing up by councils and soaring metal prices are helping to win the battle against unsightly old bangers being left on our streets. People tell us that these eyesores make them feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood and figures like these show councils up and down the country are working hard to make people feel safe and secure.

“A few years ago, you’d have had to pay someone to take your old car away but now, scrap metal dealers will pay you up to £1000 for the pleasure. This has definitely helped the situation but councils are also playing an important role. They’ve listened to the concerns of local people and reacted accordingly.

“Over 250 councils have signed up to the Local Government Association’s Reputation campaign which says that councils should aim to clear up abandoned vehicles within 24 hours. These eyesores attract crime and the public rightly expects them to be removed quickly. If anyone sees an abandoned vehicle, they can call their council who will send someone out to deal with it quickly and efficiently.

“With over 80,000 vehicles still being reported as abandoned last year, there’s no room for complacency and local authorities will continue to do all they can to make sure that cars aren’t dumped on our streets and when they are, they’re cleared up as a top priority.”