Abandoned vehicles on the increase in Tayside

A DROP in the price of scrap metal is being blamed for abandoned vehicles being dumped across Tayside.

Insurers may also have a case to answer, however, with models beyond a certain age now effectively undriveable because of the cost of coverage.

As a consequence, the burden of destroying unwanted vehicles has fallen on local authorities, with taxpayers often left to foot the bill for their removal and destruction.

In Dundee, the number jumped from five to 50 from 2015 to 2016, costing £1,940 and £7,115 – with a further 13 abandoned up to November last year.

Elsewhere, Angus saw 19 vehicles uplifted in 2015, 34 in 2016 and 24 so far this financial year which cost £675, £1,635 and £1,455, respectively.

Across Fife there were 59 vehicles uplifted in 2015, 128 in 2016 and 93 so far this year.

However, the council does not hold a breakdown of the costs.

In Perth and Kinross there were 25 in 2015, 56 in 2016 and 16 so far this year, although there is no cost to public purse as Perth Auto Recyclers picks them up.

Dundee’s neighbourhood services convener Kevin Cordell said: “Abandoning your vehicle is completely antisocial and blights the communities and areas where it goes on.

“Anyone who does it is also acting illegally and the council in partnership with Police Scotland and the DVLA will pursue any abandoned or nuisance vehicles. To report an abandoned vehicle, please visit our website.”