The number of abandoned cars collected and destroyed locally has increased by a staggering 4,775% since 1997 according to new figures obtained by local MP and Lib Dem Shadow Environment Secretary, Norman Baker.
The number of abandoned cars has increased dramatically from 8 in 1997-8 to 382 in 2001-2. The year-on-year rise in incidents has inundated Lewes District Council which paid £17,000 in 2001-2 to collect and destroy the unwanted vehicles.
Fines for abandoning cars range up to £2,500 and 3 months in prison. However, the owner can be difficult to trace because vehicles often change hands prior to being abandoned but without re-registration. Lewes District Council did not levy any fines or make a single prosecution in respect of abandoned vehicles last year.
A breakdown of the figures is provided below:
| Year | Number of Abandoned Vehicles |
|---|---|
| April 1997 - March 1998 | 8 |
| April 1998 - March 1999 | 88 |
| April 1999 - March 2000 | 237 |
| April 2000 - March 2001 | 278 |
| April 2001 - March 2002 | 382 |
The problem is nationwide with an estimated 238,000 vehicles abandoned in 2000-2001. The situation is set to worsen in Lewes with the number of abandoned vehicles collected and destroyed between April and November 2002 already standing at 284.
Speaking about abandoned cars, Norman Baker says:
"My constituency is experiencing an epidemic in abandoned cars. It is unacceptable to simply abandon unwanted vehicles and I urge people not to do so. The government must look at new ways to track down the owner of an abandoned vehicle and ensure that the offender is brought to book."
"The EU End-of-life Directive for vehicles - which seeks to establish systems for collecting vehicles and removing their polluting components - must be uniformly applied across the country. This will ensure that abandoned vehicles are swiftly removed and the damage they pose to the environment minimised. This is a nationwide problem which must be dealt with urgently."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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