Abandoned Vehicles

The Council has a statutory duty under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 to remove any motor vehicle, which appears to be abandoned on any land, or highway, in the open air. The vehicle when abandoned without lawful authority may be removed and disposed of.

The term "vehicle" in this context means a motor vehicle or trailer or anything which forms part of a motor vehicle or trailer including any item contained within it.

Each disposal costs the Council approximately £50 per vehicle.

What is an Abandoned Vehicle?

Abandoned car, burnt out and upside down.

An abandoned vehicle is: -

A vehicle, which has been left, unwanted and appears to be discarded by its owner or by others. Generally it has been left unused for some weeks;
In an unroadworthy condition and has no valid tax disc displayed;
Is in such a condition that it should be destroyed.

What We Do

Respond to complaints and representations regarding abandoned vehicles.
Reports from the public involving vehicles abandoned are initially reported to the Police, telephone number 0845 3300 247 - to determine whether the vehicle has been involved in a crime.
Where a vehicle is considered by the Council to be abandoned the Council may affix a statutory notice (i.e. 7 days/24 hours) to the vehicle. On expiry of that notice the vehicle will be removed for disposal.
Recover costs incurred in removing storing and disposing from the owners or the owner responsible for abandoning the vehicle.

What is Not an Abandoned Vehicle?

Badly parked or obstructive vehicles;
Road traffic accident vehicles awaiting recovery;
Broken down vehicles;

The above are the responsibility of the police.

Not having a current vehicle excise licence (is not sufficient grounds to decide that a vehicle is abandoned) these should be reported to the DVLA.
Untaxed vehicles, which are being used or repaired on the highway these should be reported to the DVLA.

The DVLA telephone number is 0300 790 6802.

Additional contact details for the DVLA.

How Do I Report an Abandoned Vehicle?

You can report vehicles that you think are abandoned by completing the online form. To report a suspected abandoned vehicle by telephone please ring 01229 876487.

What Happens Next?

If a vehicle is deemed to be abandoned, an enforcement officer will serve the relevant notice on the vehicle. After expiration of that notice and if the vehicle is still in situ and unclaimed by the owner, it will be removed and disposed of.