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Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned vehicles are an environmental hazard, represent a danger to the public (especially children), create a magnet for crime and blight our communities.

Abandoned vehicles create problems not only for Councils but also for the Police and the Fire Service.

Is the vehicle abandoned?

Many vehicles which are reported as abandoned may actually be:

  • untaxed
  • unregistered
  • stolen
  • involved with crime

Vehicles that fall into the above categories are technically not abandoned, however investigating reports and complaints in respect of these vehicles takes time. If you are reporting a vehicle to us, you will need to be sure that it does not fall into one of the above categories.

Abandoned vehicles process

A reported vehicle will be investigated by one of our Community Protection Officers who will conduct the necessary investigations to confirm if the vehicle is abandoned or not. This will include conducting a DVLA check to establish the registered keepers details. The Officer will also assess the condition of the vehicle.

Following initial investigations if a vehicle is believed to be abandoned the registered keeper will be contacted and a notice will be served onto the vehicle.

If a vehicle is considered to be a hazard to the public and/or environment the vehicle will be removed before the notice expires.

Of all the complaints currently received by us concerning abandoned vehicles approximately 50% can be removed under statutory powers relating to "Abandonment". The remaining vehicles are not technically abandoned or are not in the location reported when a site visit is made.

Report an abandoned vehicle

If you see a vehicle that you think may be abandoned (not untaxed or unregistered) you should contact us to report the vehicle, ensuring that you provide us with as many of the following details as you can:

  • The exact location of the vehicle
  • Make
  • Model
  • Colour
  • Registration Number

Contact us