Last Modified November 25, 2022
What is an abandoned vehicle?
Once a report has been received by the council there are number of factors to be considered before it is investigated:
- The vehicle's location
- If it is parked on adopted highway or private land (if on private land the council may choose not to remove an abandoned vehicle if the costs are considered unreasonably high)
- The condition of the vehicle: smashed windows, flat tyres or foliage growth around the vehicle etc
- The length of time it has been left at the location
- If the vehicle is taxed – as of 1 October 2014 vehicles will not be issued with a paper tax disc, however any person can check the status of a vehicle via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla
Where possible all reports of abandoned vehicles are investigated within 24 hours.
The vehicle will be visited and an initial assessment made. Following this a number of detailed checks will be carried out by the council, which may result in the owner being written to. It is hoped that where we have been able to make contact with the owner that they will take action to remove the vehicle if appropriate.
Once all the required checks are carried out and the council is unable to determine ownership of the vehicle then the vehicle may be removed and disposed of.
What should I do if a legal notice is placed on my vehicle or received in the post?
Do not ignore it – contact the council straight away on 020 8207 2277 to confirm if it is your vehicle and advise what action you will be taking to satisfy the council that the vehicle is not abandoned.
- If you do not contact the council the process will continue which may result in the vehicle being removed and destroyed.
Report an abandoned car, motorbike or van in your area