Moves to speed up the process for getting rid of abandoned cars could end up costing council taxpayers even more.

The number of dumped cars began to increase after the bottom fell out of the scrap metal market around 1998. In the Malvern Hills area, the number of abandoned cars is now between 200 and 300 a year.

On Tuesday, Transport Secretary Stephen Byers announced consultation on proposals to allow abandoned cars to be moved with 24 hours' notice, instead of the present seven days.

The idea is to reduce the waiting time for destruction and to create procedures to ensure car dumpers can be tracked down and prosecuted.

Andy McCausland, for Malvern Hills District Council, said: "The cost of scrapping cars is probably going to get worse next year with a new European directive which will make it even harder for scrap metal merchants to get rid of cars.

"They are going to have to remove all of the internal furnishings, carpeting, seats, plastics and anything with oil in it. At the moment it costs on average £20 to £40 for the council to get rid of cars. Next year it could go up to about £125."

Mr McCausland said that in future the manufacturers of new cars would be held responsible if they were abandoned at the end of their lives. But it would be about 10 years before that makes a difference to councils.

At present, the owners of many abandoned cars are untraceable because they register them at false addresses. New legislation could result in the last registered owner being held responsible, even if they sell the car on.

"If you sell a car it's down to you to fill in the form and send off the bottom of your registration document," said Mr McCausland.

The consultation period for the proposed changes will end on January 31 and any legislative changes will be implemented after that.