AN amnesty on abandoned vehicles in north Suffolk is being extended for another month before a crackdown on offenders is launched.The problem of dealing with vehicles dumped in urban and rural areas in Waveney has been escalating in recent years.

AN amnesty on abandoned vehicles in north Suffolk is being extended for another month before a crackdown on offenders is launched.

The problem of dealing with vehicles dumped in urban and rural areas in Waveney has been escalating in recent years.

In 1997 Waveney District Council removed 39 abandoned cars but by last year that figure had risen to more than 500.

Not only were abandoned vehicles an eyesore they were a danger to children and were also a target for anti-social behaviour including arson.

Council officials said the problem was largely caused by the plummeting price of worldwide scrap values that meant dealers had to charge people to dispose of any unwanted vehicles.

Recently there has been a rise in scrap values, prompted by demand in China, and Waveney District Council is determined to take advantage of the situation.

In partnership with Lowestoft-based vehicle disposer CR Hales Ltd it launched a vehicle amnesty last month.

In the past three weeks more than 150 vehicles have been disposed of safely as part of the amnesty.

Owners wishing to dispose of an unwanted vehicle can request the council to remove it or they can take it direct to Hales at Pinbush Road, South Lowestoft Industrial Estate.

There is no charge to the owner if the council collects the vehicle and if it is taken directly to Hales the owner will be paid £20.

So far the council has issued more than 50 vehicle surrender forms and a further 100 vehicles have been scrapped directly by Hales.

Wendy Mawer, portfolio lead for regeneration and environment, said: "By offering this amnesty we are showing owners that it is possible to dispose of their old vehicles responsibility without dumping them to become an eyesore and a hazard to the rest of us."

The amnesty is being extended for a further four weeks after which council officials will take a tough stance on anyone who dumps a vehicle illegally.

Officials will trace the owners who will then be responsible for the full costs involved in the safe removal and destruction of their vehicle.

Vehicle owners wishing to dispose of their vehicles under the amnesty should telephone Waveney District Council on 01502 523561 or Hales Waste on 01502 519080 for more details.

In both cases proof of ownership will be required and owners will be asked to sign a disclaimer.

All vehicles being disposed of will have materials such as petrol, oil, tyres, CFCs and brake fluid removed before they are crushed and recycled. A similar amnesty scheme has also proved successful in nearby Great Yarmouth.