Report an abandoned vehicle

We can only remove vehicles that are clearly abandoned. 

Any vehicle we remove is destroyed, so we must be certain before taking action.

Read our guidance, and only make a report if you're confident a vehicle is abandoned.

Report to us

We'll usually consider a vehicle abandoned if a combination of these signs is present:

• It is untaxed and appears to have no owner or keeper. Always check the tax status of a vehicle before reporting
• It has not moved for a long time and looks damaged. For example, it has flat tyres, broken windows, missing number plates, mould, or signs of vandalism
• It's burnt-out - police may need to investigate first
• There is rubbish, old car parts, or furniture inside 
• It appears neglected or hazardous, even if it still has valid tax or an MOT

Vehicles on private land

If a vehicle is on private land, the land owner or management company should only submit a report if they can prove they've completed their own checks. This could include putting a note on the vehicle, or writing to their leaseholders or tenants.

If we have this evidence, and the landowner's permission, we can serve a 15 day notice to remove the vehicle.

Don't report to us

Some vehicles may cause concern, but aren't necessarily abandoned. You shouldn't report these to us, but some can be reported to other services. 

Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) vehicles

Vehicles registered as SORN shouldn't be parked on public roads. However, a SORN vehicle isn't necessarily abandoned. If there are no other signs of abandonment, we can't remove it.

The same applies for vehicles that have been untaxed for more than 2 months.

You can report SORN and untaxed cars on public roads to DVLA.

Vehicles without a valid MOT

If a vehicle doesn't have an MOT but shows no other signs of abandonment, we can't remove it.

You can check if a vehicle has a valid MOT and report vehicles without an MOT to the police. 

Vehicles without number plates

If the vehicle shows no other signs of abandonment, we can't remove it. These vehicles can be reported to the police by calling 101.

Vehicles involved in traffic accidents

We can't automatically treat these vehicles as abandoned. They may require investigation by the police or the relevant insurance company.

Dangerous vehicles

If a vehicle is on fire, being damaged, or someone is stealing parts, call 999 immediately.

Make your report

If you're confident the vehicle is abandoned, you should complete our online form. You need to tell us: 

• The make, model and colour of the vehicle
• The vehicle's registration
• What street or estate it is parked on
• Why you think it's abandoned

Report an abandoned vehicle

What happens next

We aim to visit the site and assess the vehicle within 1 working day. 

We'll check with the DVLA for the registered keeper. This process can take several weeks.

If we deem the vehicle to be abandoned, we will:

1. Put a notice on it
2. Wait 10 working days to see if the owner claims it
3. Remove and destroy the vehicle

Safety risks

If the vehicle is on the highway and presents a safety risk, we may only give 24 hours notice before removing it.

If the owner comes forward

The vehicle is no longer classed as abandoned. If it is still dangerous, for example, burnt out, we may still be able to remove it.

Otherwise, the owner is responsible for disposing of it. They may face court action if they don't act.