Abandoned Vehicles
What is an abandoned vehicle?
Vehicle left without lawful authority on any land in the open air or on any road or has number plate missing.
Neglected vehicle and significantly damaged.
Its stationary for a significant amount of time.
The vehicle structure/glass has been damaged by vandalism as opposed to damage caused by a road traffic accident.
The vehicle has unsecured doors and/or boot open.
The vehicle has been partially or fully burnt out.
What is deemed not an abandoned vehicle?
Nuisance Vehicles (often confused with abandoned)
Stolen vehicles, cloned vehicles or vehicles causing anti-social behaviour
Uninsured vehicles with no MOT (these should be reported to Police via 101)
Parking issues, including pavement parking
Untaxed vehicles (these should be reported to the DVLA)
Vehicles causing an obstruction, these should be reported to Police via 101)
Dangerous Vehicles for example leaking fuel or containing hazardous items require immediate attention from the Police.
We have a duty in terms of The Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 and The Removal and Disposal of Vehicles (S) Regulations 1986-2002 to remove all vehicles which appear to be abandoned on a public highway.
If you are concerned about a vehicle apparently abandoned on other ground, the Community Safety Team will investigate to establish if the vehicle is abandoned.
We have powers to place notices on abandoned vehicles, and on expiry will arrange for our contractor to uplift the vehicle.
Are you reporting a vehicle with no MOT or no tax? If yes, this does not meet the criteria for an abandoned vehicle and will not be investigated.
A vehicle can be reported as abandoned where it meets one or more of the abandoned vehicle criteria detailed above.
Untaxed vehicles should be referred to the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for enforcement using the DVLA's online vehicle enquiry service at https://www.gov.uk/report-untaxed-vehicle
Getting rid of a vehicle
If you have a vehicle you want to get rid of please contact a scrap dealer. Once the vehicle has been disposed of, ensure you tell the DVLA.
If the vehicle is being disposed of due to a road traffic crash your insurance company may arrange for it to be removed.
Under the Refuse Disposal Amenity (Scotland) Act 1978 dumping a vehicle is an offence carrying a fine of up to £2,500, 3 months in prison, or both.
We have the power to claim costs for removing, storing and getting rid of a vehicle from the person who abandoned it.