Abandoned Cars

Abandoned vehicles will be removed from the highway and may be removed from private land with the landowner's permission, under the Refuse Disposal (Amenities) Act 1978.

Where a report of an abandoned vehicle is received, an officer will examine, photograph and record details of the vehicle's condition and location as soon as possible.

A 24-hour notice will be placed on the vehicle telling anyone with a legal claim to remove it within 24 hours. If the vehicle has not been removed after 24 hours, arrangements will be made for its removal and destruction.

Owners of vehicles considered by the Council to be abandoned may be charged statutory fees:

  • £150 for removal to a pound;
  • £15 per day for storage for cars considered to be 'runners'; and
  • £150 for the removal and destruction of cars that are considered wrecks.

In all cases where vehicles have been abandoned, owners are liable to prosecution.

When reporting an abandoned vehicle, please give precise details of:

  • the location of the vehicle (eg. "outside Number 99 High Street");
  • a description of the vehicle, including make, model, colour, condition and, if possible, its registration number; and
  • the length of time the vehicle has been abandoned.

Please note that we cannot deal with vehicles displaying a current, valid tax disc.