The value of scrapped cars has fallen so they are

New figures show a 27% increase in vehicles being dumped.

In the South Hams district alone, about 1,000 cars have been reported abandoned so far this year.

Councils say they try to trace those responsible, but often details of who owns a dumped car are not up to date.

The value of scrap metal has fallen sharply and people are now charged for disposing of cars, so owners dump them to avoid paying.

Police and Teignbridge District Council are already removing dangerous and unsightly abandoned vehicles from the roadside.

A police spokesman said: "Vehicle owners have a responsibility to ensure that their cars are taxed and that the registration documents are kept up to date.

"We will deal firmly with any offences we find when clearing them from the streets."