Abandoned and nuisance vehicles
Last Updated: 17 May 2023
Please refer to the guidance below before you report an abandoned vehicle or vehicles being sold or repaired on the street that are causing a nuisance.
Abandoned vehicle
Check before reporting
Is the vehicle really abandoned?
Things you need to think about and check before reporting:
- a vehicle in good condition is unlikely to have been abandoned. An abandoned vehicle might have significant damage, flat tyres, wheels removed or broken windows
- is the keeper of the vehicle known or live locally?
- an abandoned vehicle is one which might have been left, unused, in one location for several weeks and may not be roadworthy
- if a vehicle is untaxed or SORN and is being kept on the highway you can report an untaxed vehicle to DVLA
Check whether the vehicle is taxed
A seemingly abandoned vehicle should only be reported if the vehicle is untaxed.
Please check if a vehicle is taxed.
Our response
- we aim to respond to reports of abandoned vehicles within two working days
- we will try to contact the owner
- we will contact the police who will investigate whether the vehicle has been involved in a crime
Vehicles being sold or repaired on the street
We can take action against nuisance caused by people repairing or selling vehicles for business on a street when:
- two or more vehicles are for sale within 500 metres of each other on a road
- vehicles are being repaired on a road as part of a business. Except for repairs from an accident or breakdown that are done within 72 hours of an incident
Contact our customer service team to report an issue.