Irresponsible car drivers are still dumping unwanted cars in Colchester, new figures show.
The borough council spent £66,000 dealing with more than 1,700 abandoned cars left in and around the town in 2002
But a spokesman said it expects the problem of dangerous and unsightly dumped vehicles to drop during the next 12 months.
The Colchester Council spokesman said: "We are working very closely with the police and the DVLA to ensure that abandoned cars are dealt with quickly and those who commit this crime are caught.
"The figures show that too many people are still abandoning cars.
"But gradually the message is getting across and we are confident that with the help of the police this is a problem that we will see less and less over the coming year."
According to the newly-compiled figures, the council dealt with 1,735 abandoned cars during 2002.
It spent £66,000 which paid for one officer, management costs and disposal of vehicles.
Waste and transport manager Dave McManus said towards the end of last year, his department became quicker at dealing with dumped vehicles.
Published Monday, January 20, 2003
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