Vehicle owners have been able to have cars removed for free

At the start of the year, Derwentside Community Safety Partnership announced a vehicle amnesty so people could get rid of unwanted cars for free.

So far, 54 vehicles have been recovered under the scheme and Derwentside District Council has had to remove 26 less abandoned cars than last year.

Another 36 untaxed cars have been clamped after sweeps.

Towed away

The sweeps have been carried out by Durham Police together with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The aim of the scheme has been to keep driveways, grass verges and other locations clear and make sure abandoned vehicles did not become a target for thieves and arsonists.

Police have also been targeting abandoned cars and 11 have been towed away in the last fortnight.

Sergeant Andy McConnell said: "The Community Safety Partnership is committed to getting untaxed, dangerous or unwanted vehicles off the streets.

"We are aiming to make Derwentside a better place to live and this action by ourselves, the council and the garages will continue indefinitely."