AN ABANDONED vehicle amnesty is currently in place, and owners of unwanted vehicles can now have them removed free of charge. East Cambridgeshire District Council have joined forces with the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness of the

AN ABANDONED vehicle amnesty is currently in place, and owners of unwanted vehicles can now have them removed free of charge.

East Cambridgeshire District Council have joined forces with the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness of the cost and damage that illegally dumping vehicles causes, and to remind people of the potential punishments for such a crime.

Environmental Services executive director, Stephen Clements, said: "It is illegal to abandon vehicles, the owners can usually be easily traced, and anyone caught and convicted of dumping a vehicle can face three months in prison or a fine of up to £2,500 - it's simply not worth the risk when vehicles can be removed quickly and without cost."

Last year about 300 abandoned vehicles were reported in East Cambridgeshire and, on average, 9,600 vehicles are reported each year throughout the county, almost half of which are removed for destruction. This costs approximately £300,000 per year.

Mr Clements said: "Dumping vehicles is a potential safety hazard as they can be a target for vandals or arsonists."

To report a redundant or abandoned vehicle contact East Cambridgeshire District Council's Environmental Services on 01353 616286 or via the webisite www.eastcambs.gov.uk

Callers will need to provide their name, telephone number, and address, plus the make and colour of the vehicle, which will then be collected and destroyed free of charge, as quickly as possible. Owners will need to show the logbook and some form of identification to the contractor who collects the vehicle.