Some 12,000 abandoned cars, equipment and machinery have been removed from the streets and open grounds across the country in a little less than a year since the campaign was launched.

The committee responsible for the campaign has so far cancelled the registration of 3,657 cars and handed them over to the scrap yard for recycling, reports The Peninsula.

According to the law (Number 8 of 1974), the authorities concerned must first put a sticker on an abandoned car, equipment or machinery asking the owner to remove it.

If it is not removed within three days, the car or equipment is towed away by the authorities.

And after it is towed away, the owner has three months to claim it back after paying the required fine.

Once the three-month period lapses, the car or equipment or machinery is seized and becomes the property of the state and can be sold in auction.

Affected owners can make enquiries on mobile number 33288885.