A combination of tougher enforcement, new rules deterring would-be car dumpers and higher scrap metal prices have led to a massive drop in the number of wrecks being left on Island streets.

New figures released this month show that over the last four years the Isle of Wight Council has seen a 58 per cent drop in the number of abandoned vehicles being reported.

In 2003 the council had to clear up a total of 517 abandoned vehicles but last year this fell to just 215.

Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said:

“Cracking down on would be dumpers and quicker clearing up is helping us to win the battle against unsightly abandoned cars being left on our streets.

“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 for the pleasure. This has definitely helped the situation but the council is also playing an important role. We’ve listened to the concerns of local people and reacted accordingly.

“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.”

Vehicles classed as ‘abandoned’ are different to vehicles parked on our roads with no tax. For assistance in making a judgement on whether a vehicle is abandoned please visit the abandoned vehicles page on the council’s website www.iwight.com.  Untaxed vehicles should be reported to the DVLA rather than the council on their freephone number 0800 032 5202.