Budget cuts will hit car removals

THE BUDGET for collecting dumped cars in Lewisham has been slashed by about £40,000.

And this is in spite of a high-profile government crackdown on the national scourge.

Lewisham Council had publicly pledged £417,000 to fight the problem when Secretary of State Stephen Byers MP visited Catford to launch the crackdown earlier this month.

But a former council employee told the News Shopper the budget was cut immediately after the visit because the council lost patience with the epidemic.

A council spokesman said the authority was fed-up with spending taxpayer's money on collecting the vehicles.

He said the number of dumped cars has soared from 500 to 5,000 over three years.

Lewisham Council now aims to collect 10 vehicles a day, amounting to 3,650 of the 5,000 expected this year.

It will also focus on removing vehicles which are a health hazard and on prosecuting people who abandon cars on highways and estates.

Environment Councillor Paul Morris said: "The escalating costs of removing vehicles was unforseen.

"It was also unforseen the council would ever have to clear this many.

"At present we are subsidising enviro-criminals dumping cars on our streets."

During his visit Mr Byers said: "Dumped cars are an increasing eyesore on the streets and a real danger to children who are attracted to them as playgrounds.

"Our proposals aim to get dumped cars off the streets quickly and efficiently."

Lewisham mayor Councillor Dave Sullivan also embraced the initiative.

He stated: "We welcome the Government's document giving us greater powers to continue the fight against abandoned vehicles."

Greenwich Council stated it did not intend cutting expenditure.

A spokesman said: "If anything, Greenwich is expecting to increase the amount it has to pend on removal as a result of the worrying trend and the effects of legislation."

The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions declined to comment on Lewisham's decision.

December 4, 2001 12:40

Chris Steel