Report an abandoned vehicle
Is the vehicle taxed?
First check if the vehicle is taxed. This can be done by checking on the DVLA website
If the vehicle is untaxed and parked on public road report it to the DVLA
If the vehicle is taxed, it would NOT usually be considered to be abandoned.
If the vehicle is SORN
If vehicle has been registered as off the road (SORN) the vehicle should not be left on the public road and the DVLA is the only authority with the powers to remove.
If the vehicle is SORN and parked on the public highway it should be reported to DVLA.
If the vehicle is untaxed
The DVLA is the only authority with the powers to remove untaxed vehicles from the public highway.
Taxed vehicles
If the vehicle is taxed but appears to have been involved in Road Traffic Accident/collision, it would NOT generally be considered to be abandoned. The owner would be expected to take action to get the vehicle removed.
No MOT
You can only report vehicle with no MOT to the police if it has being used on road
You need the vehicle’
- number plate (registration number)
- make and model
- colour
- location
Report car with no MOT to the police
If you think vehicle has been abandoned
If you believe the vehicle is in an abandoned state but is owned by local resident/neighbour, no action can be taken by the Council as the vehicle is “owned”. Also, if the vehicle is parked on public road where there are no parking restrictions, again no action can be taken as the vehicle is “owned” and not parked in contravention.
What happens next
When you report an abandoned vehicle
- we will investigate and inspect the vehicle
- If we believe it has been abandoned
- notice will be placed on the vehicle to advise that it will be removed. (This gives the opportunity for an owner to get in touch with us to explain that it is not abandoned).
- If no contact is received the vehicle will then be removed
We cannot remove vehicles from private land without the permission of the landowner.
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