abandoned vehicles

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Abandoned Vehicles

The council has a duty to remove vehicles that are abandoned 'within the meaning of the law' - meaning that all rights and concerns in a vehicle have been given up and that no one responsible for the vehicle can be traced. Being untaxed, unroadworthy or illegally parked does not make a vehicle abandoned.

In the financial year 2007/08 the council investigated 1755 reports of alleged abandoned vehicles, of which 374 were removed. This amounts to 21.3 of the vehicles being genuinely abandoned.

If the council removes a vehicle that is not abandoned under the terms of the law, we may become liable for any claims for compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

abandoned vehicles logo

There is an untaxed car in my street that hasn't moved for some time. How do I report it and will the council remove it?

You can contact us by:

The vehicle will be assessed against criteria for abandonment.  If no-one responsible for the vehicle can be found and its condition suggests that it has been abandoned - i.e. in a very poor condition, seriously damaged or vandalised - then the council will ususally remove it, depending on its location.

There is an untaxed/vandalised car in a carpark or on housing land or on private property. Can the council remove it?

The council has a duty to remove abandoned vehicles on the public highway.  On other land - such as car parks or private property - permission is required from the owner responsible or their agent.

Can the council tow away vehicles which are untaxed, illegally parked or parked on verges or pavements?

We cannot deal with a vehicle just because it does not display a current licence. This responsibility lies with the DVLA who are the enforcing agency - you can contact the local office of the DVLA at:

4th Floor, Mocatta House
Trafalgar Place
Brighton, BN1 4UE
tel: 0870 240 4732
fax: (01273) 686074 

Or visit the DVLA website.

 


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