A vehicle may be considered abandoned if it in the open air or on the highway and:
- has no registered keeper, or
- is significantly damaged, burnt out, vandalised, is run down or not roadworthy, or
- is missing essential parts, for example, registration plates.
How the council deals with abandoned vehicles
It is an offence to unlawfully abandon any vehicle in the open air or on the highway. The Council operates a service to remove abandoned vehicles under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
When someone reports a vehicle as abandoned we have a legal duty to ensure that every effort is made to contact the legal owner of the vehicle. This is to confirm that the vehicle is actually abandoned. Arrangements to remove and dispose of the vehicle cannot be made until this is clearly established.
We will attempt to contact the last registered keeper by letter asking for them to contact us. If the keeper fails to contact us, we can remove the vehicle after 7 days. If a vehicle is claimed by the registered keeper the Council has no grounds to remove the vehicle and no further action will be taken.
All vehicles without tax, or a vehicle parked on a public road with a Statutory off Road Notification (SORN) should be reported.
Reporting an abandoned vehicle
If you believe the vehicle is abandoned, causing a hazard or safety issue then please supply the following details so we can investigate:
- Exact location (for example, opposite number 36 Smith Street)
- Vehicle Registration Mark (if vehicle has plates)
- Vehicle Make, colour, model (if known)
- Condition (for example, broken window or scratches)
- Land ownership (if known)
Where this information is not provided the Council may not be able to identify the correct vehicle and take the necessary action.
