An abandoned vehicle is one 'which appears to have been left without lawful authority'; this is likely to be the case if it's:
- stationary for a significant amount of time
- significantly damaged, run down or unroadworthy - for example, has flat tyres, missing wheels or a broken windscreen
- burned out
- missing a number plate
Our responsibility for abandoned vehicles
Before contacting us to report an abandoned car, van, or motorcycle, check if a vehicle is taxed and has an MOT (on GOV.UK).
If the vehicle:
- is taxed, but has no MOT, contact the Police, telephone: 101 in relation to Section 47(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988
- has an MOT, but is not taxed, contact the DVLA
If the vehicle is taxed and has an MOT, confirm it's parked illegally then call our Parking Hotline.
You should only contact our Waste, Highways and Environmental Services Team to report an abandoned vehicle if it is not taxed, has no MOT and is not parked illegally.
When you report an abandoned vehicle you'll need to provide details of:
- vehicle location
- vehicle type (car, van, caravan, motorcycle)
- vehicle condition (good, dirty, damaged)
- registration number
- your name, address and contact telephone number (in case we need to check any details)
- any other information that will help us to resolve the request
Be aware that we cannot help with:
- abandoned vehicles on private land, unless requested to do so by the landowner or emergency services
- stolen vehicles
- vehicles that have been involved in an accident
Removing abandoned vehicles
If you've reported abandoned vehicles we can help with, we'll arrange removal as soon as possible.
Also see
- Streets, roads and pavements
- Report a street, road or pavement problem
- Unauthorised encampments
- Building materials on the highway
Waste, Highways and Environmental Services
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