Fall in number of cars abandoned in the city

6:48am Friday 22nd August 2008

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THE number of abandoned vehicles in Southampton has been slashed by a third in the past four years.

New figures released by Southampton City Council show a drop of more than 33 per cent in unsightly cars left on the city's streets.

However the fall was lagging behind the 75 per cent average reduction for the South East.

The council says a combination of tougher enforcement, new rules deterring would-be car dumpers and high scrap metal prices have all led to the drop in the number of wrecks being left on streets.

Cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Gavin Dick, admitted scrap metal dealers paying up to £1,000 to take away vehicles had "helped" but the council was also "playing an important role."

In 2003 the council had to clear up a total of 2,071 abandoned vehicles. Last year the number fell to 1,381.

Cllr Dick said: "People tell us that these eyesores make them feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood and figures like this show the council is working hard to make people feel safe and secure."

"These eyesores attract crime and the public rightly expects them to be removed quickly. If anyone sees an abandoned vehicle, they can call the council who will send someone out to deal with it quickly and efficiently.

"There's no room for complacency though and we'll be doing all we can to make sure that cars aren't dumped on our streets and when they are, they're cleared up as a top priority."

The council runs a non-profit making Car Clear scheme in conjunction with Hampshire police, which cleared 217 in the past 12 months.

Residents who want to get rid of their cars for free can contact the council or fire service who arrange for contractors to take the vehicle away.

The council has also started to hand out £200 fixed penalty notices to motorists who have abandoned their vehicles.

The fine is reduced to £120 for early payment.