A TWO week campaign to rid the country of abandoned vehicles started today (Monday).

Watford Borough Council is taking part in a nationwide scheme to reduce the number of cars which are dumped each year.

Forty-five garages and MOT centres across Watford have been asked to display a vehicle amnesty poster, which has been produced by the council in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, promoting the free vehicle collection and scrapping service.

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: "Since September 2002, Watford Borough Council has removed more than 600 abandoned or unwanted vehicles for free under our vehicle amnesty programme. Our scheme has been a great success.

"In the past car owners, who weren't always sure of how to go about getting rid of an unwanted older car, ended up abandoning their cars by the roadside. Watford Borough Council's vehicle amnesty scheme has contributed to the decline in the number of vehicles left abandoned.

"The council offers the service free to all Watford residents, providing they live within the borough boundaries and the vehicle is not a commercial one. All cars that are removed under this scheme are properly disposed of and scrapped in partnership with the DVLA Luton's local office."

The process is simple: the owner fills out a form giving permission for Watford Borough Council to dispose of the vehicle. Some proof of ownership is required ideally the log book - DVLA form V5.

The number to call for the free unwanted vehicle collection service is 01923 252221. To download, a vehicle amnesty form, log on to www.watford.gov.uk Abandoned cars are also a magnet for vandalism and arson. Over the past six years vehicle fires have increased nationally by 48 per cent.