ABANDONED cars on the streets of Preston could be a thing of the past according to the police.

It comes at the launch of the new Car Clear initiative, launched today (January 13), to clean up the city's streets.

Under the scheme, residents can report abandoned vehicles using a special hotline and, after investigation by police, the car will be removed within half an hour by the city council.

It is hoped the initiative, launched by Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, and Preston City Council, will drastically cut the number of vehicles abandoned and set on fire.

The council receives 600 calls each year about abandoned vehicles and the fire service is called out to 15 cars that are set on fire every month.

Inspector Karen Simister, heading the operation, said: "Abandoned vehicles create a blight on estates across the city, they are a sign of decline.

"This operation is about getting rid of the anti-social behaviour and also cutting the fear of crime.

Under Car Clear an amnesty is being held until April 1 so people with un-roadworthy vehicles can get them disposed of free of charge.

Insp Simister added that leaflets would be distributed to areas, such as Ingol, where abandoned vehicles were a particular problem, which is also taking part in the National Pilot Reassurance Project, which is aimed at cutting crime and the fear of crime.

The hotline number to report an abandoned vehicle is 01772 209199.