Abandoned vehicles
If you believe that a vehicle has been abandoned, you can report it so that we can investigate and remove it, if appropriate.
What is an abandoned vehicle?
There is no statutory definition of an 'abandoned vehicle'. However, when assessing whether a vehicle may be considered abandoned, we take a number of factors into account, including:
- in the same location for a minimum of 4 weeks
- is it taxed? A vehicle would need to be at least 1 month out of tax
- doors open or unlocked
- flat tyres or missing wheels
- windows open or broken
- being burnt out
- containing waste
- not having registration plates
- having significant damage
- mould on the inside
You can check if a vehicle is taxed by entering the registration number on the GOV.UK website.
An untaxed vehicle may not be an indication of abandonment. The investigating council officer will look at all the individual circumstances, inspect the vehicle and make an assessment of the risk in reaching a decision.
Officers do not investigate a vehicles that have a Statutory off Road Notification (SORN) when parked on private land and when parked on public roads or land, unless showing factors listed previously.
Report an abandoned vehicle
The quickest and easiest way to report an abandoned vehicle is online. You will need to provide:
- the road name and location of the vehicle
- the registration number
- make, model and colour
- your contact details
Alternatively, you can telephone 01332 642020.
For vehicles parked on Derby Homes' land or car parks please contact Derby Homes, tel 01332 888777 or online at Derby Homes - Contact us.
Report a parking issue or untaxed vehicle
Please note: Environmental Protection does not deal with on-street parking matters. Issues relating to parking restrictions or enforcement fall within the remit of the Council's Parking Services team. Notify online to Streetpride or telephone 01332 640000.
If you wish to report an untaxed vehicle, contact the DVLA on the GOV.UK website.
Report the misuse of trade plates
To report the misuse of trade plates (unauthorised use or parking in a residential area) you can email the DVLA at Trade.Licensing@dvla.gov.uk, providing the details of the misuse, the trade plate numbers involved and any additional information that would assist the DVLA with their investigation.
What happens next
We will aim to investigate as soon as possible.
We can investigate and deal with vehicles that have been abandoned on the public highway, Council housing land, local amenity land, and other land under our control.
We also have limited powers to remove abandoned vehicles from private land in certain circumstances.
Where we determine that a vehicle is abandoned, officers would normally serve a legal notice requiring its removal within seven days. Where a registered keeper can be established, a follow up letter will also be sent.
In cases where the vehicle presents an immediate danger, we aim to remove this vehicle as soon as possible. We will not be able to remove all other vehicles immediately and do not remove vehicles that are not considered abandoned.
We will let you know what action has been taken, however, we cannot tell you who owns a vehicle.
How to claim a vehicle which has been removed as abandoned
If we have removed your vehicle, please contact us on telephone 01332 642020 or email environmental.services@derby.gov.uk, providing your details and car registration plate number.
When we have received the details, we will advise you of the applicable recovery and storage charges. On payment of the charges, we will issue you with a vehicle release note.