Abandoned and untaxed vehicles

To report an abandoned and untaxed vehicle, please contact us.

When reporting a vehicle please give the following information:

• Location of vehicle
• Make and model
• Colour
• Registration number
• Date of expiry of tax disc if displayed

The Council has to remove vehicles that have been abandoned. Vehicles are not considered to be abandoned if they are taxed or if they are near to the current keeper's address.

We are an agent for the DVLA. This allows us to remove promptly any untaxed vehicles left on the public highway, or other publicly accessible area, providing authorisation is given by the DVLA.

We aim to investigate all reports within 24 hours of notification on working days.

The timescale for action depends on the category of the vehicle:-

• If the vehicle is roadworthy, action will be taken after expiry of 7 day notice attached to the vehicle.
• If the vehicle is without value, we aim to remove it within 24 hours on working days.
• If the vehicle is burnt-out or a potential hazard, we aim to arrange immediate recovery.
• If the vehicle is untaxed and on the public highway, or other publicly accessible area such as a supermarket car park, arrangements for removal will be made, providing authorisation is given by the DVLA.
• If the vehicle is abandoned on private land, action will be taken within 15 days. This is to allow time for a legal notice to be given to the landowner.

Last update: 22/02/2012