Abandoned vehicles
When is a vehicle considered to be abandoned?
There is no legal definition of an ‘abandoned vehicle’ but some of the criteria we consider when assessing a vehicle includes:
- Is it taxed?
- Does it have an MOT?
- Doors open/unlocked
- Flat tyres/missing wheels
- Windows open/broken
- Burnt out
- Containing waste
- Significant damage
- Mould on the inside
You can check if a vehicle is taxed by entering the registration number on the GOV.UK website.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Tell us about any vehicles you think are abandoned as soon as you can - the sooner you inform us, the sooner we can remove it.
Report an abandoned vehicle
We have a statutory duty to deal with vehicles abandoned on the highways, housing land, local amenity land and other areas of land controlled by us. We also have some limited powers to remove vehicles from private land.
In most cases where we consider that a vehicle is abandoned we can issue a legal notice requiring it to be removed in seven days. In extreme circumstances, we can issue a 24-hour removal notice.
How do I report an untaxed vehicle which is not abandoned?
If you wish to report a vehicle being used without a valid tax disc, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or telephone 0800 325 202.
How do I retrieve my abandoned vehicle?
Contact us if we have removed your vehicle. When we receive your details, we will advise you of the costs involved and issue a release note.