MOTOR salvage yards in County Durham are being warned they face large fines unless they comply with new legislation designed to combat car ringing and the trade in cannibalised vehicle parts.

Under regulations recently introduced, anyone involved in the recovery and salvage of vehicles must register with the council.

To date, only 30 individuals in County Durham have done so and Durham Constabulary is warning the dozens of unregistered traders that a force-wide enforcement campaign is planned for the coming months.

"There are many opportunities for the unscrupulous to dispose of stolen vehicles," said Chief Insp Paul Goundry, head of Durham's road policing unit.

"Some are broken up and the parts sold on, others are broken down to provide parts to repair a damaged vehicle. Some may be used to provide a false identity for stolen vehicles - a practice known as ringing."

He said: "The motor salvage industry has worked hard to rid itself of criminals who taint its image, but less scrupulous dealers continue to undermine their efforts."

Registration fees vary from council to council but are between £40 and £70 for a three-year period.

Chief Insp Goundry said: "Those who fail to register could then face fines of up to £5,000."