UNSIGHTLY abandoned cars are becoming less of a problem since a new policy was introduced earlier this year.But this hasn't stopped the practice of vehicles still being left at the side of roads and in some cases being left as rich pickings for the scavenger vandals.

UNSIGHTLY abandoned cars are becoming less of a problem since a new policy was introduced earlier this year.

But this hasn't stopped the practice of vehicles still being left at the side of roads and in some cases being left as rich pickings for the scavenger vandals.

At Chantry in Ipswich a car was left outside Sprites Lane junior school at the weekend and within a couple of days it was stripped almost bare.

The engine had been removed – but instead of being carted away was on the rear seat of the car. The number plate had been taken and the bonnet of the car was missing.

Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Coastal District Council have however, found that after their powers in dealing with dumped cars were increased there has been less car stripping in the area.

The police confirmed this and said that as councils can now remove untaxed abandoned cars earlier vandals get less of a chance to strip them of their furnishing and interiors.

A spokesman for Suffolk Coastal said that abandoned cars were less of a problem this year after the new national policy was introduced in spring.

Councils now have the power to remove cars that are unlicensed within 24 hours, compared to the situation before in which a car would be left for seven days before it was towed away.

The time between when the car is taken away to when it is destroyed has also been reduced from 35 days to seven days.

Ipswich council said they were taking away an average of 100 abandoned vehicles a month, which is double the amount before the hotline was launched.

The borough council also offers a service where a vehicle can be towed to a scrap yard for the discounted price of £20, compared to the typical £60 charge.

The new policy was put in place after a community survey revealed that one of the most annoying problems facing residents was the unsightly nuisance of abandoned cars.

There is the Suffolk Coastal abandoned vehicle hotline, which is 01394 444720. In other areas the service will be available by contacting the relevant district council offices.