(Fri 15 Aug 08)

Have you noticed that there aren't as many abandoned cars lying around as there used to be? You should have done, because according to new figures released this week there has been a 72% drop in reported dumpings between 2003 and 2007.

The best news comes from the East Midlands, where the drop is 84%. Within that area, Blaby District Council is playing a very important role, with a phenomenal drop of 99% during the four-year period.

"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," says Paul Bettison, Chairman of the Environment board at the Local Government Association. "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."

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