NEWPORT could soon have a new way to combat the problem of dumped cars - by crushing them.

In the last 13 months a total of 1,442 abandoned cars have been picked up by the council at an average cost of £100 per vehicle.

Now a city councillor is calling for a "firm approach" to tackling the problem of abandoned and dangerous vehicles.

Councillor Bob Bright, cabinet member for community safety, said he was conscious of the "extreme danger" of these vehicles, often taken and driven recklessly by underage drivers - un-taxed and uninsured - and later set on fire.

Councillor Bright said the problem arose because: seven days notice is required before the vehicle can be taken away and, during that period, they are vandalised moved or driven around; there is no value in an old vehicle and it costs the person disposing of it money to get rid of it.

Councillor Bright said: "In England the law has changed and they are designated as waste and removed in 24 hours. We are looking at the position in Wales to see whether we can start moving them in 24 hours."

At a meeting to discuss the problem with representatives from the DVLA, Gwent police, Newport community safety and trading standards, the option of crushing abandoned cars was put forward.

Councillor Bright said: "The DVLA said they could offer a package - Operation Cubit - which has worked elsewhere in Wales.

"If it comes into being there will be a large clamping campaign on untaxed vehicles, the cost will be recouped through court proceedings where necessary and, in extreme circumstances, the vehicles will be crushed.

"If Cubit is adopted it will take an iron-fist approach and every effort will be made to take the action suggested. This requires a contribution of money from the fire service, local authority and the police, and the DVLA pools the money together and makes a concerted effort."

The meeting suggested a campaign to encourage people to act responsibly, followed by an amnesty before the crushing policy was introduced. The DVLA is providing costings on the scheme for Newport council, before a decision is made.

And trading standards are being asked to clampdown on sellers of unroadworthy vehicles.