POLICE in Newport are warning youngsters that they are putting themselves and others in danger by driving cars which should be destined for the scrapyard.

Inspector Terry Wakeley, who is based in Alway, said officers were aware of a number of incidents in recent months where city youngsters were driving unsafe cars.

He said inexperienced youths, some of whom do not have driving licences, were buying the vehicles very cheaply - and condemned owners who sold their cars to teenagers rather than paying for them to be scrapped.

He added: "First of all the cars are a danger, they are not roadworthy. "These young people must be aware if they are out driving they can easily have an accident through no fault of their inexperienced driving.

"Secondly they still fall within the bounds of the law. If they are caught driving they may well be prosecuted for driving without documents.

"Our concern is they are driving unroadworthy vehicles without skills and experience and this could result in fatalities not just to them but other road users."

The police and Newport city council also face the problem of the cars being abandoned. Inspector Wakeley said across Newport police are receiving phone calls every day about abandoned cars.

He said: "Across the division it's a considerable problem. "We have calls everyday about young kids driving cars which fall into that category and asking if we can remove vehicles left on the side of the road.

"They are a danger as young kids play in them and the windows get smashed and they cause an environmental nuisance."

Newport city council has revealed that it had to scrap 1,040 cars in the last financial year. It deals with an average of 200 vehicles per month and currently have 30 vehicles on seven day notice of being scrapped.

Inspector Wakeley added that people who sell their vehicles should register the new owner with the DVLA or could find themselves liable for the vehicle.

PICTURED: PC Shaun Sullivan with a dumped and burnt-out car in Hartridge Wood.