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Car dumping levels plummet all over the country

Wednesday, 13 Aug 2008 16:59
There have been virtually no car dumpings in south Buckinghamshire since 2003, which is nice
New statistics demonstrate that, over the last four years, the number of cars being abandoned has dropped by an average of 72 per cent.

In 2003, local councils had to get rid of 800 wrecked and abandoned vehicles every day.

This year, however, that number has fallen to just 225. Council leaders say tough enforcement, new rules designed to deter car dumpers and the high price of scrap metal have all contributed to the substantial drop.

The East Midlands saw a drop of 84 per cent, while the south-west saw a slide of 77 per cent.

Specific council areas that have shown the largest drop include Blaby (99 per cent), south Buckinghamshire (97 per cent) and Maidstone (95 per cent).

Councillor Paul Bettison, chairman of the environment board at the Local Government Association, 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 £1,000 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," councillor Bettison added.

"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."

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