Abandoned Vehicles

Besides being an eyesore, abandoned vehicles can attract anti-social behaviour including vandalism and arson, endangering lives, property and the environment.

It is a common misconception that it is expensive to dispose of a vehicle. The End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 dictate that from the 1st of January 2007 you can dispose of a complete* vehicle free of charge at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). The Environment Agency has a monthly updated list (in Microsoft Excel format) of ATFs. A link to this list is available in the external links on this page.

In addition, cartakeback.com and autogreen.org have websites that will show the nearest facility (signed up to these services). Cartakeback.com also advises you on what qualifies for free take back. You can call them on 0845 257 32 33 or email using the link on the right.

* If a vehicle is incomplete it may not qualify for free take-back, e.g. a car with the engine removed will not qualify. Speak to an Authorised Treatment Facility to see what they will accept.

What is an abandoned vehicle?

There is no legal definition of an abandoned vehicle, however it would be reasonable to believe an abandoned vehicle has no traceable owner or claimant of ownership over it.

The Council has a statutory duty to remove vehicles they believe to be abandoned except where the cost to remove to the nearest carriageway would be unreasonably high, i.e. anywhere a recovery vehicle cannot access or specialist services would be required.

The Council is unable to deal with vehicles on major trunk roads, causing an obstruction, being driven illegally (untaxed, uninsured etc) or any other moving traffic offence – these should be reported to the Police.

A number of factors are taken into consideration to decide if a vehicle may be abandoned. These include:

The vehicle is not drivable
There is no current vehicle keeper on DVLA records
The vehicle has not moved for a significant amount of time
It has sustained significant damage or vandalism or is run down or unroadworthy
It is burnt out
It has no tax disc* (see below)
It has no number plates
Condition of the interior e.g. damaged or containing waste
It has not been left temporarily as a result of an accident or breakdown
Mould or vegetation is present, especially on window or door seals or on the surface under the vehicle
Attempts have been made to hide its identity
The location and/or position of the vehicle suggests it has been abandoned

PLEASE NOTE Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 section 2, vehicles with no plates and no valid tax disc may be removed and destroyed immediately, as may vehicles that are deemed wrecks. The Act also allows Local Authorities to remove any vehicle believed to be abandoned WITHOUT NOTICE.

When a vehicle is stored, the Council may dispose of it as it sees fit after seven days.

Statutory Government charges apply for recovery of a stored vehicle and are currently: £105 lift plus £12 per day storage

*The Council may not remove vehicles that are simply untaxed, unless it is believed the vehicle is abandoned. However if a vehicle is taxed and appears to be abandoned, the Council may consider removal of the vehicle.

Untaxed vehicles should be reported to the DVLA on their hotline: 08000 325202

To Report an Abandoned Vehicle

You can report an abandoned vehicle on-line using the link on the right or by phone on 01480 388388.

If you wish to report an abandoned vehicle, we need to know the following:

The registration number
Make and model of the vehicle
Exact location of the vehicle
The land on which the vehicle has been abandoned (highway, public or private land)
If the vehicle is taxed
Why you believe the vehicle to be abandoned
Your name, address and telephone number - these details are not given out, but are required to keep you updated and help us if we need to contact you for further information. We do not normally take anonymous reports.

From these details we can make enquiries to see if anyone claims ownership of the vehicle. If not the vehicle can be removed after the legally required notice period. Notice periods range from none (i.e. immediate removal) up to 15 days dependent on the position and condition of the vehicle.