NEW laws which give councils the power to shift dumped cars are to be used for the first time in York by a city councillor.

Coun Derek Smallwood, City of York Council's environment spokesman, is applying to have a car which was abandoned outside his Wycliffe Avenue home, in Tang Hall, moved under the new powers.

The powers give local authorities the right to take away dumped vehicles after only one day, when previously they would have to wait seven days before they could be moved.

Now after one week the authority will be able to destroy the vehicle. Coun Smallwood said: "The car has been sitting there for three or four days and kids have been pushing it up and down the street.

"It's a matter of time before it becomes a target for vandals who could set fire to it.

"We could have some real safety problems.

"Under the new laws I should be able to register this car and get it moved quickly.

"At least we'll find out if it is abandoned, or if somebody owns it."

The Evening Press has repeatedly highlighted problems of abandoned cars in parts of the city.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "We welcome the new powers which will help us to take a tough stance on abandoned cars."

Updated: 10:41 Saturday, April 13, 2002