WYCHAVON District Council has been given new powers to remove abandoned cars.

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers introduced new measures last week which will give local authorities DVLA powers to clamp and remove unlicensed vehicles, as well as reduce notice periods for cars to be removed from seven days to 24 hours.

The council has welcomed the new measures and said that dumped cars are a growing problem in the Vale.

Sharon Casswell, client services manager, said: "There's been a significant increase in the amount of abandoned cars over the last two or three years.

"We welcome these measures. Anything that helps us track down or prosecute is welcome as we try and cut down on the number of cars dumped in the district. It's not only an eyesore but it's dangerous as well."

Louise Warner, the council's waste management officer, said that between 2000 and 2001 the council removed 119 cars.

"Between April and September of this year, a total of 93 cars have been removed, of which 88 were scrapped."

She added that in most of these cases, the last registered keeper of the vehicle, who was tracked down through the DVLA, was fined £155 and if they refused to pay up, the council took legal action.

Vehicles are split into two categories. Under current council legislation, owners of class A vehicles, which have no value, are issued with a seven day notice and then put into storage.

Owners of vehicles of some value, classed as 'runners', are given 21 days notice.

Louise Warner said the council will look at its own system in light of the new Government measures and review its policy accordingly.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Byers said: "The measures will give local councils increased powers to deal with these cars and get rid of the bureaucratic boundaries that make it easier for people to get away with it."