Car dealers who use other people’s parking spaces to store and flog their vehicles are facing a crackdown by the council.

Last week two cars on sale were removed from Mitcham Lane in Tooting. The owners will face legal action if they come forward and if they do not the cars will be crushed.

Dealers frequently park their cars in residents’ spaces in Mitcham Lane.

Transport spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “Let’s be clear about this. We are not targeting people who live on Mitcham Lane and put a notice in their car because they want to sell it.

“Our focus is on professional second hand car dealers who are using the public highway like it’s a garage forecourt.

“When we find a parked car that’s being advertised for sale we can quickly trace the registered keeper and if they live nearby then that’s not a problem – but if the car is either unregistered or registered to an address out of the area then it is likely to be seized.

“And if we find that one person is the registered keeper of numerous vehicles for sale, then even if that person does live nearby then those cars are likely to be removed.”

The council is also on the lookout for builders who do not want to pay to have skips removed when they are full of waste.

Residents who wish to report a highway obstruction should call 0208 871 6708 or email onstreetservices@wandsworth.gov.uk