Abandoned vehicles - reporting and procedures

What is an abandoned vehicle?

An abandoned vehicle is a vehicle on the road or on private land which does not appear to have a known owner.

It is not simply a vehicle which is:

• a nuisance
• untaxed
• obstructing or dangerously parked on the road.

A taxed vehicle may still be abandoned, as can caravans and trailers.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

You can let us know by:

• completing an online form
• telephone 0333 2006981
• minicom 01332 640666.

What information do you need about the vehicle?

• your name, address and telephone number
• the precise location
• make and model
• colour
• Registration number
• whether the vehicle has a tax disc  
• how long it has been there
• possible owner details of the vehicle
• any damage to the vehicle
• other information that makes you suspect the vehicle is abandoned.

What happens next?

We will:

• check our records to see if the vehicle is already being dealt with, or has been dealt with before
• request the ownership details from the DVLA
• visit and inspect the vehicle.

If a decision is made that the vehicle is abandoned, we will request for it to be removed.

When the order ends, we will remove the vehicle and either store or destroy it. If it cannot be removed, we will let you know what action has been taken, explaining why.

In certain circumstances, the person who has abandoned a vehicle will face legal action. This can include issuing a fixed penalty notice and/or prosecution.

Our commitment to you

We will:

• investigate abandoned vehicles as soon as possible after your report
• remove dangerous/burnt out vehicles as soon as possible
• remove other abandoned vehicles as soon as possible after gaining legal permission to move them.

Useful forms

• Streetpride