Abandoned Vehicles
Abandoned cars are a visible blight on neighbourhoods and act as
a magnet for anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and
arson.
The problem has increased in recent years, causing a real
headache for police, fire fighters and councils up and down the
country.
When an abandoned vehicle is reported, our staff will make a
site visit and confirm that the vehicle is truly abandoned. A
notice will be served and attempts to contact the owner made.
However, if the vehicle is not moved or taxed it will then be
removed and destroyed.
How to identify an abandoned vehicle
Before you report and abandoned vehicle please collect as much
information as possible. The following points should help you make
a judgement:
- Is the vehicle untaxed i.e.. no tax disc present at all or past
the expiry date?
- Are any of the tyres flat or have any of the wheels been
removed?
- Is there any litter or detritus (weeds/leaves) under the
vehicle, indicating that it has not been moved for some time?
- Is the windscreen or and of the windows broken?
- Is there any mould on either the inside or outside the
vehicle?
- Does the vehicle contain items of waste e.g.. tyres, old
newspapers, general rubbish?
- Does the vehicle have number plates?
- Has the vehicle been vandalised? Exterior vandalism might
include dents in bodywork, bumpers spoilers being removed: interior
vandalism might include radio being stolen, seat covers being
slashed.
- Has a vehicle that you or your neighbours never seen before
suddenly appeared in your road and no-one is claiming
ownership?
Do not move, enter or even touch an abandoned vehicle. They are
a health and safety risk, can be classed as, or contain hazardous
waste and can often pose a fire risk. On some occasions, abandoned
vehicles have been used for crime related activities such as drug
dealing, prostitution and burglary, in which case the police may
wish to seize the vehicle for investigation purpose.
What happens when I report an abandoned vehicle?
Vehicles that the Council considers to be abandoned and have no
value (wrecks) will be removed and sent for destruction.
Vehicles that have some value (runners) will be towed away and
stored for seven days and if not claimed will be sent for
destruction.
Vehicles that pose a danger to the public, broken windows,
smashed body work etc) can be moved immediately and stored for
seven days or sent for destruction.
If a vehicle is abandoned on private land, the owner/occupier of
the land may be served with a 15-day notice by the Council. The
notice informs them of the intention to remove the vehicle and the
have 15 days to object.
The Council also has the power to recover costs of removal,
storage and disposal from the person responsible for abandoning the
vehicle.
Car Clear
'Car Clear' aims to see abandoned cars moved from the streets
within hours of being reported, helping to reduce the risk of arson
attacks and joyriding and improve the local environment.
There is a dedicated 24 hour hotline - 0800
08502153 - for people to report suspected abandoned cars.
Cars confirmed as abandoned will be removed within 4 hours.
Report an abandoned vehicle
If you think a vehicle has been abandoned you can report it using our online
form or you can call 0300 123 7026