What is an abandoned vehicle?
An abandoned vehicle is a vehicle which doesn't have a known owner.
If a vehicle is road legal, is parked on the public highway and the owner tells us that it's not abandoned, we have no power to remove the vehicle.
Types of issues and who to report them to
Some issues with vehicles are dealt with by different agencies. Please read the following information to determine who you should contact.
Vehicles causing an obstruction or in a dangerous position
If a vehicle is causing an obstruction or is parked dangerously you need to report it to the Police on 101.
The Police have the power to immediately remove any vehicle which is causing an obstruction or likely to cause danger.
Untaxed vehicles / Vehicles registered as SORN
If a vehicle is untaxed or registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) but parked on a public road, you need to report it online to GOV.UK – Report an untaxed vehicle.
The DVLA have the power to remove vehicles that are untaxed or SORN.
Abandoned vehicles
We will only investigate a vehicle reported as abandoned when at least three of the following criteria have been met:
- Broken lights
- Broken window(s)
- Fire damage
- Flat tyre(s)
- Fuel cap missing
- Leaking fluid
- Left in a dangerous position
- Long standing (over 21 days)
- Missing wheels
- Mould in the vehicle
- Panel damage
- Parts missing
- Rubbish in the vehicle
- Sharp edges
- Vegetation in the vehicle
Report an abandoned vehicle
You can report an abandoned vehicle to us using our online form.
An officer will inspect the vehicle within 10 working days and if deemed as abandoned, depending on its condition, we can issue three types of notices of removal:
- 24-hour notice - if vehicle is liable to cause immediate danger
- 7-day notice - vehicles not causing immediate danger but parked on Public Highway
- 15-day notice - vehicles not causing immediate danger but parked on Private Property
These notices will give the owner of the vehicle that period to remove it. If it is not removed by the expiry date/time of the notice we will instruct our contractor to remove the vehicle.