Council starts free drive to remove unwanted vehicles

North East Lincolnshire Council starts its Rust In Peace campaign on Monday, a week-long initiative to clean up the borough.

The council’s community pride team will arrange to collect any vehicle providing the owner can produce its V5 registration form.

Councillor Dave Bolton, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, said: “The council’s community pride team deals with the removal of abandoned vehicles as part of their normal day-to-day service, as well as removing vehicles from private land so long as they have the owners’ permission.

“Abandoned and free take back vehicles are expensive to remove and the money could be spent on more important services in your neighbourhood.

“They have a negative impact on the environment, look unsightly and can lower the quality of life in our communities.

“We hope that this campaign will help to reduce this type of activity and improve our neighbourhoods.

“Residents just need to have all their paperwork in order and we will take care of the rest.”

The authority said private removal costs can be prohibitive as the scrap value of vehicles has fallen and dismantlers have to pay more to dispose of tyres because of waste disposal regulations.

Officials hope the campaign will stop more people trying to dump or dispose of vehicles illegally.

Coun Bolton added: “Of course not everyone who has banged out cars they no longer need disposes of them unlawfully, but we know that it isn’t always a straight forward process to get rid of them.

“Therefore, we are keen to help residents. This campaign is a win-win for everyone.”

To arrange for a car to be taken away between Monday and Sunday August 21, call the community pride team on 01472 325823 and a member of staff will arrange collection.

Residents can also report abandoned vehicles.