Abandoned Vehicles

How can I tell if a vehicle is abandoned?

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this but a council officer will make a professional judgement and give notice of our intention to remove the vehicle by placing a notice on it.

Indicators that a vehicle may be abandoned include-

• The vehicle is untaxed
• Tyres flat
• Weeds, litter, etc. under the vehicle, indicating that it has not been moved for some time
• Broken windscreen or windows
• Length of time the vehicle has not moved, if known

How quickly will the Council respond?

An officer will normally check the vehicle within three working days of receiving a report.
If the officer considers the vehicle to be abandoned he will place either a 24-hour, 7-day or 15- day notice on it. Any one who claims to own the vehicle must contact the Council within this period.

• 24-hour notices are only used for vehicles of no value.
• 7- day notices are used for most vehicles on the public highway.
• 15-day notices are used for vehicles on private land.

Once the notice period has expired the vehicle is then normally removed within four working days.

You can report an abandoned vehicle here using our online form.