Report an abandoned vehicle

What is an abandoned vehicle?

  • An abandoned vehicle is one that has been left on public roads or land. It is usually the case that the owner no longer needs it. This may even apply if the vehicle is taxed or has a valid MOT. Not having a tax does not mean the vehicle is abandoned.

Signs that a vehicle may be abandoned:

  • The vehicle being stationary for a long period of time.
  • Missing number plates.
  • Two or more flat tyres.
  • Broken windscreen, windows, mirrors.
  • Litter and weeds under the vehicle showing it has not been moved for a long time.
  • Lots of litter and debris inside the vehicle.
  • General poor state of repair and subject to ongoing acts of vandalism.
  • Vehicles subject to fire damage.
  • No tax or valid MOT.

Vehicles are sometimes reported for parking in front of a property. The vehicle may be legally parked. This does not guarantee that a vehicle is abandoned. An officer will need to investigate. They must check if the vehicle is truly abandoned.

What is not classed as an abandoned vehicle

  • Vehicles parked dangerously. In this case, call the police on 101.
  • Untaxed but not abandoned vehicles. The vehicle may still be in use. In this case, you can report untaxed vehicles to the DVLA.
  • Vehicles with no MOT but not abandoned. The vehicle may still be in use. In this case, you can call the police call 101.
  • Vehicle parked illegally. In this case, you can report illegal parking.

What the law says about abandoned vehicles

We have a legal duty to remove vehicles that are genuinely abandoned. Abandoning a vehicle is a criminal offence. This is under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.

If prosecuted, you could face:

  • A fine of up to £2,500 and/or
  • Three months' imprisonment.

For more details, see section 2(1) of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.

Reporting an abandoned vehicle

To report an abandoned vehicle, you will need to provide:

  • A photo of the vehicle which shows clear signs of abandonment.
  • The exact location of the vehicle. You can provide the nearest house number or junction.
  • Make, model, and colour of the vehicle.
  • Registration number (if present).
  • The length of time it has been stationary at the location.
  • Current condition.
  • Your contact details.

Report an abandoned vehicle

What happens next?

  • An officer will investigate the vehicle. They will report back in five working days on whether it is abandoned.
  • We will make the final decision about whether a car has been abandoned. 
  • If the vehicle doesn't meet the criteria, no further action will be taken. 
  • If we deem a vehicle has been abandoned, we'll stick a 7-day or 24-hour notice on to the vehicle.
  • If these notices expire without contact from the owner, we will remove the vehicle.
  • If at any time during the process the vehicle is claimed, our involvement ends.