Scrap cars taken off roads

A campaign in Hartlepool to take unwanted and unroadworthy vehicles off the streets had been hailed a success.

The amnesty to remove cars free of charge was launched in the summer.

As a result of the amnesty 50 cars have been removed free of charge from the streets of Hartlepool over the last few weeks.

The scheme is organised by the council's Environmental Action Team.

They say the falling price of scrap metal contributed to the problem, and the days when scrap yards would pay for old cars are long gone.

Arson risk

Environmental manager Craig Thelwell said: "We knew there was a problem with old, unwanted vehicles but we weren¿t sure just how big that problem was.

"Old cars are often left on driveways or parked in the street with people unable to get rid of them, maybe because they are broken down or have failed their MoTs.

"Sometimes vehicles end up being dumped and then they become an arson risk or a danger to children.

"In other cases, they are simply left to rust away and soon become eyesores, blighting the local environment.

"We are delighted with the impact of the amnesty but believe that there are still more cars out there which need to be removed."

The council is working with South Bank-based contractor Centex who remove the cars and dispose of them.