THE Government's crackdown on abandoned cars has been warmly welcomed in Wyre Forest which has suffered a massive increase in the problem.

Rob Key, head of environmental health and community safety at Wyre Forest District Council, said: "I understand the Government is issuing a consultation document. The proposal is something we very much welcome, given the problem we have locally."

In May, the Shuttle/Times & News revealed 15 cars a week were being abandoned in the district - a massive rise of 300 per cent over the last three years.

And the problem is expected to worsen next year when a new European directive will push up the average price of car disposal to £100.

The collapse in the price of scrap metal means owners who previously received £30 or £40 for delivering a car to a scrap yard are being charged up to £10.

Mr Key said: "Things have not got any better since May and the whole sorry saga rolls on unabated."

Under existing legislation, local councils must wait a week before removing cars deemed to be worthless and 21 days for saleable vehicles.

But under proposals announced last week by Transport Secretary Stephen Byers, restrictions would be cut to 24 hours and between seven and 14 days respectively.

The length of time councils have to keep cars they remove before they can crush them will also be slashed, from 35 days to seven days for wrecks and 14 for saleable cars.

And from next year, councils will be allowed internet access to records held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of the last registered owner of vehicles to help them determine whether a car has been abandoned.

At present, authorities have to apply in writing and can expect to have to wait several days for a reply.