After years of increasing problems, a local authority has come up with an idea that might make a real impact in the war on dumped cars.

South Somerset District Council has announced a low cost package that makes it possible for car owners to have their vehicles collected and disposed of for as little as £20 plus VAT.

A slump in scrap metal prices was a major reason for dumped cars becoming a serious matter. This paper first reported on the problem in the early autumn of 1999, and things have not improved since.

Car owners used to end up with money in their pockets when scrapping their cars but suddenly found themselves having to pay.

As a result, many decided to dump their no longer wanted vehicles at the earliest opportunity wherever possible.

A number of initiatives by various bodies, including threats of fines and disposal bills, have failed to make a real impact.

But the council's Environmental Services Group last week announced its contractor will operate a low-cost collection and disposal scheme throughout the district.

A council spokesperson said: "People dumping their unwanted cars, or selling them to unscrupulous dealers who strip the cars and later abandon them has become increasingly common in the region.

"This creates a dangerous hazard for children and wildlife, especially when the vehicles are set on fire.

"The council's abandoned vehicle removal contractor is now providing a low cost vehicle collection and disposal service.

"For a fee of £20+VAT, the car will be taken away and disposed of at a fully licensed facility."

Environmental health manager Adrian Gardner added: "The knock-on environmental problems associated with vehicle abandonment are very serious.

"Dumped cars set alight cause pollution of the atmosphere, leaving toxic residues on the ground and cause damage to the highways, fences and buildings. The cost to the community is significant.

"Abandoning a car is a criminal offence and the council is seeking to prosecute offenders. We often have to dispose of vehicles which have been dumped by their owner, or a dealer who has bought the car and stripped it of anything worthwhile.

"I hope that South Somerset residents will be encouraged to use this cheap and reliable service, safe in the knowledge that each car will be properly disposed of."

The council's contractor can be called directly on 01460 73363 for further information.