Abandoned vehicles are an eyesore and can encourage vandalism and arson, endangering lives, property and the environment.
We have a duty to remove them from the highway and other public areas.
How do I tell if a vehicle has been abandoned?
We can only deal with abandoned vehicles. A vehicle may be abandoned if:
- It has been parked in the same position for some time.
- There is no apparent owner.
- It is in poor condition (broken windows, flat tyres and damaged panels).
- It is unlocked.
If the vehicle meets one or more of the above, it should be reported for us to investigate.
Report a vehicle
When you tell us about the vehicle, please give as much detail as possible:
- Its location (be as accurate as possible).
- How long it has been left there.
- Its make, model and colour.
- Its registration number.
- Its condition (like if it is burnt out, has broken windows or flat tyres).
We will visit a reported vehicle, inspect it and put 'Council aware' tape on it. We will also take photos and provide a report on the vehicle.
- The registered keeper will be sought out and a letter sent requesting the vehicle to be removed within 7 days.
- If not removed, the vehicle will be put in storage.
- A notice will be sent to the registered keeper giving 7 days to reclaim from storage. If not claimed, the vehicle will be disposed of.
- We will remove vehicles from any public highway/place.
Reclaim an abandoned vehicle
- If you have notice that we removed your vehicle, phone: 01422 288002, as soon as possible.
- You must produce the registration document V5 (log book). This shows us that you are the registered keeper.
- You must also pay the removal and storage fees.
Penalties for abandoning a vehicle
- It is a criminal offence to abandon a vehicle.
- We can prosecute the last registered keeper for this offence.
- The penalty, on conviction, is a fine up to £2500. In stead of prosecuting, we can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Untaxed vehicles
To report a vehicle that is used or kept on the public road and appears to be unlicensed:
- Visit: Report an untaxed vehicle (GOV.UK).
If a vehicle is kept off-road, it must be taxed or have a current Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
For more details, visit: Vehicle tax, MOT and insurance (GOV.UK).
Unwanted vehicles
Do you own a vehicle that you no longer want and would like to dispose of it?
You will need to contact an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), who will recycle it for you.
For a list of ATFs in the local area, visit: Environment Agency - authorised treatment facilities register (GOV.UK).