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Abandoned Vehicles

FAQ for Abandoned Vehicles | Contact for Abandoned Vehicles

What is an unwanted vehicle?

If you are the owner and the registered keeper of an unwanted vehicle and you wish to dispose of it the Council offers a free disposal service.

What is an abandoned vehicle?

An abandoned vehicle is a motor vehicle that has been left on any land in such circumstances or for such a period that it may reasonably be assumed to have been abandoned.

The vehicle, when abandoned without lawful authority on any land in the open air or on a land forming part of a highway, may legally be removed.

The vehicle when found, need not necessary be in a poor condition.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

If you know of a vehicle that appears to have been abandoned then please contact the Streetscene Help Desk or complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Have the following information available (or as much as possible)

  • Exact location of vehicle
  • Make and model of vehicle
  • Colour
  • Registered number
  • Condition of vehicle

What Happens Next?

The details you have supplied will be passed on to the Council's Abandoned Vehicle Officer. A visit will be made to the location and the Officer will inspect the vehicle to determine its condition. If it is considered that the vehicle presents an immediate danger, burnt out, missing wheels or if the vehicle is causing an obstruction, then it can be removed immediately.

If the above does not apply then a notice is placed on the vehicle requiring the owner to remove the vehicle within 24 hours or contact the Council as soon as possible. The Council will also carry our checks with the Department of Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Police. The vehicles registered keeper will then be contacted.

If after 24 hours the vehicle's owner does not claim and remove the vehicle, or make contact with the Council, then the vehicle will be towed away by the Council's Contractor.