Abandoned cars will litter Britain's streets unless Whitehall gets to grips with new EU regulations, MPs have warned.

Members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee said that government departments are not dealing efficiently with directives from Brussels for disposing of worn-out cars and broken fridges.

Their report, published on Friday, into EU directive on waste electrical equipment and the end of life vehicles rules found signs of improvement but concluded ministers are not influencing Brussels early enough to have an impact on new regulations.

"Much of our environmental legislation originates in Brussels," said sub-committee chairman Paddy Tipping.

"The government does not get involved early enough to influence policy. There is a real need to involve industry stakeholders at the beginning of discussions; to set up stakeholder teams involving the private sector; and to think through the practical consequences of new directives."

Additional resources

MPs also warned that in the case of the vehicles directive, local authorities will need additional resources to deal with the increase in dumped cars as the directive comes into force.

The government was also urged to bring businesses such as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders into their discussions much earlier to make the best use of their experience.

Tipping issued a stark warning that unless more action was taken, Britain would be faced with dumping on a massive scale.

"I have no doubt that in the short term abandoned vehicles and electrical equipment will litter our streets," he said.

Council tax bill

Shadow transport secretary Theresa May said the report proved council tax payers will have to pay for central government mistakes.