Old Bangers Beware

This was just one of 1,500 abandoned vehicles to be removed from roadsides and car parks in Arun and Chichester since September, as part of a pilot partnership scheme called Operation Crackdown.

Ms Morris said: "I am really impressed it is just brilliant to be rid of that car."

The scheme, involving local authorities, Sussex Police and the DVLA, has slashed the cost of removing and destroying a car from 120 by eliminating costly administration work.

It has also meant that people calling to report abandoned cars have found them removed within days, rather than months.

Sergeant Robin Pine, of Sussex Police, and Arun environmental amenities officer Fred Strong are at the forefront of the operation, investigating reports of abandoned cars and organising their removal.

"This is a shining example of how different departments can work together. It also means a huge saving to the tax payer and, of course, the vehicles won't fall prey to arsonists or vandals," said Sgt Pine.

For the full details, see the Gazette, March 7.