You can report a vehicle you believe to have been abandoned.
The vehicle has likely been abandoned if it:
- has been stationary for a significant amount of time (at least two months)
- is significantly damaged, run down or unroadworthy
- is burned out
- is missing one or both of its registration plates
- has dirt built up around it
If the vehicle does not meet at least one of these criteria, it may simply be parked badly. If this is the case, you should instead report a parking contravention.
We do not deal with untaxed or foreign registered vehicles. These should be reported to the DVLA by calling 0300 790 6802 or via the GOV.UK website.
When you report
We need to know the vehicle's:
- registration number
- make, model and colour
- exact location and length of time there
- condition
How to report
You can check if an abandoned vehicle has already been reported by checking the abandoned vehicle case location map.
If the vehicle is not on the map, you can make a report using our online form.
After you've reported a vehicle
If the vehicle has not already been reported and is not suspected to be stolen, a Regulatory Enforcement Officer will review the case.
We aim to investigate reports within 7 days.
An officer will visit the location to assess the vehicle and determine whether it is abandoned.
- If the vehicle is not considered abandoned, the case will be closed.
- If the vehicle appears to be abandoned, we may place a notice on the vehicle giving the owner time to remove it.
- If the vehicle is not removed after the notice period, the council may arrange for it to be removed and disposed of.
Costs and enforcement
If we remove an abandoned vehicle, the registered keeper may be required to pay:
- removal costs
- storage charges
- a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for abandoning a vehicle
We may also take steps to recover these costs from the vehicle owner.
Local authorities have powers to deal with abandoned vehicles under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
