Vehicles abandoned and untaxed on the streets of Coventry will be put in the fast lane to the scrap yard as part of a new police crackdown.

Police have launched a special operation to try and rid the Wood End area of the city of abandoned cars.

Unclaimed vehicles, which are often the subject of vandal and arson attacks, will be removed by Coventry City Council as part of Operation Mantovani.

Owners are being warned to tax their cars or face them being removed.

Acting Sergeant Ferris Hatheson said:

"These abandoned vehicles are having a negative effect on the quality of life of local residents.

"We are therefore issuing a warning to vehicle owners to either tax or remove their vehicles, otherwise they will be collected by the council and dealt with as they see fit.

"Any vehicle owners that contact the council stating they do not wish their vehicle removed will be visited by traffic officers to make sure that all necessary documents, such as insurance and MOT certificates, are in order."

The council does offer a free collection service of unwanted vehicles and anyone who wants to take advantage of this should contact the Street Services Office on 0500 834333, or ring Andrea Driver on 834323.

People can also write to:

Street Services Section 
1st Floor, Broadgate House 
Broadgate
Coventry  CV1 1FS.