Operation Mantovani has been re-launched to get rid of untaxed and abandoned vehicles from the streets of Coventry.

Last year West Midlands Police carried out two successful operations which cleared a large number of 'derelict' cars from the city's streets.

Since then there has been an increase in the number of scrap vehicles abandoned particularly in the north east area of the city. Now with a re-run of last years operation police officers based at Stoney Stanton Road will be working together with Coventry City Council to ensure any unwanted vehicles are taken away.

Co-ordinator, PC Ferris Hatheson, said:

"These abandoned vehicles are having a negative effect on the quality of life of local residents and are often the subject of arson attacks and criminal damage.

"This week we have been issuing warnings 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 who contact the council stating they do not wish their vehicle removed will be visited by traffic officers to make sure all necessary documents, such as Insurance and MOT certificates, are in order.

"We would ask people living in Coventry who have a problem with abandoned vehicles outside their homes to contact the police on 0845 113 5000 or Coventry City Council on 0500 834333."

SEE ALSO: [02 OCT 00] WAR DECLARED AGAIN ON ABANDONED CARS