Abandoned Vehicles
Does the vehicle have a valid MOT? Is the vehicle Taxed? check online
- It has been stationary for a prolonged period (hasn't moved for a long time, is visibly damaged, has flat tyres, broken windows, mould, or missing number plates)
- It poses a danger to public health or safety (e.g. burnt out, leaking fluids, obstructing emergency access)
If the vehicle you are considering reporting is Taxed, has a valid MOT and does not fall into the above criteria, please do not report the vehicle as being abandoned.
Only vehicles classed as abandoned will be visited by an Officer of Maldon District Council and further action taken.
Vehicles parked illegally or dangerously
Any concerns around Road Safety/Obstruction issues should also be reported to The Police via phone 101 or contacting them via the Essex Police website www.essex.police.uk
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:
- Online, using our Report an Abandoned Vehicle e-form
- Telephone 01621 854477
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
- How long the vehicle has been at that location (vehicle must have been stationery for a prolonged period)
- Whether the car is damaged or in a dangerous condition
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 may 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.