Abandoned Cars

An authorised officer of East Devon District Council  will investigate all reports of “Abandoned Vehicles”, (motor vehicles or anything that has formed part of a motor vehicle, taxed or untaxed*).

* Untaxed vehicles can be reported direct to the DVLA on,

NSL, DVLA HOTLINE 01514 230092.

Vehicles can be removed from the highway and from private land with the landowner’s permission.

Should the vehicle appear to be abandoned, a notice will be placed on the vehicle informing anyone with legal claim, to remove it within 24 hours. Photographs will be taken and a record sheet completed. Should the vehicle remain after the deadline, arrangements will be made for its removal.

Owners of vehicles that East Devon District Council officers have removed as abandoned may be charged statutory fees;

•£105.00 + VAT for removal,

•£12.00 + VAT per day for storage of vehicles until disposed of,

•£50.00+ VAT on disposal.

In addition to the charges above, owners of vehicles that have been abandoned may also liable to prosecution.

We only have authority to investigate and remove abandoned vehicles. We would not investigate vehicles that :-  

•Are just causing annoyance, but are not abandoned.

•Are inconsiderately parked or causing an obstruction.

•The Police or DVLA have an interest in.

If you believe a vehicle has been abandoned please contact us on,

01395 517528 / www.eastdevon.gov.uk

You can help us respond more quickly by giving details of:

•The location of the  vehicle (e.g. “outside number 99 High Street”);

•A full description of the vehicle; including make, model, colour and full registration number if available.

•Any other relevant information, length of time it has been abandoned, any damage to the vehicle or last known dates of movement.

Page last updated on 27 January 2011