Abandoned cars on the increase

After a spike in the number of abandoned cars in the city, Sheffield Council is introducing fixed penalties for the offence.

From August 29, the authority will also seek to recover costs from the owner for removal, storage and disposal of any vehicle, making them directly responsible for the case.

Currently the council picks up all the costs.

The number of complaints the council has received about abandoned vehicles on Sheffield’s roads has more than tripled since 2010.

This is mainly because of the lower price of scrap metal, which has led some motorists to dump their cars rather than drive to a recycling facility.

In the last year, more than 600 abandoned vehicles have been reported to the council. And more than 50 more vehicles were removed due to their poor condition.

In 2010, just over 200 reports were received, with four cars being removed.

Coun Bryan Lodge, cabinet member for environment, said: “We are prepared to take tough measures to rid the streets of eyesore vehicles.

“There is no justifiable reason for abandoning a car and we will take action to reduce the number of dumped vehicles on our streets.”

Motorists will face a £200 fine plus a minimum of £150 for the removal, storage and destruction of their vehicle under the new measures.

Residents are normally able to dispose of their vehicle for free. Visit www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-scrapyard for details.