A NEW drive has been launched to help clear up the hundreds of abandoned cars that litter Dorset's roads.

A two-month amnesty has just been launched so people with old or unwanted vehicles on their hands can take advantage of a free collection service and dispose of them free of charge.

The collection service covers the whole of Dorset and even covers cars sitting in overgrown or hard-to-reach spots.

Around 250 cars are abandoned in Dorset each year, often blighting residential areas or rural locations.

Owners can find it difficult to sell ageing vehicles, while some cars may be beyond repair and cannot easily be disposed of.

Dorset County Council is running the amnesty in partnership with Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

Residents can simply call W&S Recycling on 01202 675564 and a free collection can be arranged.

A Certificate of Destruction will be issued so that the owner will be able to prove they have complied with End of Life Vehicle regulations, and all cars taken away will be recycled.

The scheme not only aims to make Dorset look better but - with such vehicles often providing an easy target for arson and vandalism - could also help to combat crime.

Hilary Cox, county council cabinet member for environment, said: "While this is not a huge problem for Dorset, compared to some other areas, no-one wants to see rusting old cars blighting our landscape.

"This amnesty makes it easy for people. If you have an old car on its last legs that you can't get rid of, give W&S a call and they will sort it out - for free."

Temporary Detective Inspector Jamie Clark added: "Vehicles like these are often vandalised and left in a dangerous condition, causing an unnecessary hazard to all those around.

"This is an ideal opportunity to dispose of such vehicles, before they are vandalised."

Alun Morgan, group co-ordinator of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service added: "The issue is wider than just fire setting and arson.

Unwanted vehicles are a target for antisocial behaviour, vandalism and unsafe playgrounds for children. This can lead to a fear of crime from local residents."