Danger concerns raised about second car in river at Saltaire

The car, which is located on the south bank of the river adjacent to a Salts Sports Association cricket field, was originally discovered in March 2021 by Saltaire resident Chris Hodgson, who reported it to the Environment Agency.

He said: "I think it had been in the river a long time but I still found it strange after reporting that no one came to remove it.

"If kids saw it and tried to jump onto it, they could get trapped in it."

A partially submerged car after it was discovered in March 2021

He said although the area where the car is located is "not easy to get to" and can be obscured by trees and foliage, he was still concerned it could be a danger to young people.

His partner, Jo Ives, told the T&A: "I shared the pictures at the time with my friends on Facebook and we all agreed it looked a bit sinister. It reminded us of the public information films from the 1970s and 80s warning of the dangers of dark water."

After discovering the car, the couple initially tried to report it as abandoned, however when a council web form asked for a number plate, with the vehicle submerged they reported it to Environment Agency.

She said: "We have been concerned the car could be polluting the river, especially when there has been so much investment to encourage wildlife."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We believe this car has been washed downstream during floods.

“The council has reported the car to the Environment Agency who will determine who is responsible for its removal.

“Swimming in this part of the Aire is rare, however, people are advised not to climb on it.”

However, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency told the T&A that they would only take action if the vehicle was causing pollution and problems with flooding.

Otherwise, they say the responsibility for its removal would fall to the landowner.

Within the last two weeks, Bradford Council did remove a submerged car that had come to the surface below the weir next to Roberts Park in Saltaire.

Ms Ives added: "When I saw the T&A headline about the fire brigade being called to a car in the river at Saltaire, I wondered if it was this car. We hoped it was the same one that had moved downstream but obviously not, as 'ours' is still in its original position."

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