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Reporting an abandoned vehicle

Vehicles parked illegally or dangerously

These vehicles must be reported to the police as they can arrange for vehicles to be removed straight away.

The Police will place stickers on vehicles that they have instructed the owner/keeper to remove. These vehicles do not need to be reported to the Council.

Untaxed vehicles

You should contact the DVLA. The Council is unable to deal with untaxed vehicles which have not been abandoned.

How to report an abandoned vehicle

The Council deals with abandoned vehicles on public roads and you can report an abandoned vehicle in two ways:

 When reporting an abandoned vehicle please provide as much information as possible including:

  • Make, model and colour of the vehicle
  • Registration number of the vehicle
  • Exact location of the vehicle
  • If the vehicle is taxed - this can be checked online
  • How long the vehicle has been at that location
  • Whether the car is damaged or in a dangerous condition

Please note that you will be asked for your personal contact details. They will be kept confidential and allow us to update you with our progress.

A Council Officer will attach a notice to the vehicle asking the owner to contact the Council. If the owner does not claim the vehicle it will be removed.

What can happen to the owner of an abandoned vehicle?

Where evidence is obtained from the DVLA or a witness, the owner will be taken to Court and could face a fine up to £2,500.

Where the vehicle is on private land the Council will only start the legal procedure if the owner of the private land requests the Council to do so in writing.