Use our form to report a suspected abandoned vehicle
You can help us by using the online form to tell us about any suspected abandoned vehicles in your area. Please provide us with as much information as you can. If sufficient vehicle information is not provided we may not be able to investigate your report any further.
What is an abandoned vehicle
The following characteristics are usually common to abandoned vehicles, and help us to decide on abandonment:
- not moved for a long period of time
- rusty brake discs
- flat tyres
- smashed windows
- burnt out or vandalised
- missing number plates
- expired road tax
If the vehicle is taxed it is entitled to be parked on the public highway and we will take no further action at this stage, unless the vehicle is burnt out or in a dangerous condition.
Please click on the button below to open the vehicle enquiry service website (opens in a new window) and check whether the vehicle is taxed before you proceed.
What you need to do
- check whether the vehicle is taxed
- click on the report button below and log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the online form to report a suspected abandoned vehicle
- tell us the exact location of the abandoned vehicle (if the location details are not clear then this will not be investigated)
- let us know of the vehicle details which can include vehicle registration, make, model and colour
- advise of the vehicle condition and if damaged a description of the damage
- confirm whether the vehicle owners identity is known or not
- tell us the date of when the vehicle was first noticed as being abandoned
- you will also be able to upload a photo as evidence
- MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7. For information about MyAccount visit the find out more page
If you wish to report it anonymously select the 'Report anonymously' option on the MyAccount log in page
What happens next
Once the report is received it will be passed to the relevant team/s to be actioned upon as appropriate. There are a number of stages related to abandoned vehicles and below if a brief overview of this process:
- visit vehicle, checking for clues as to whether it is abandoned and photograph vehicle if appropriate
- under certain circumstances, we may contact the police to check whether they have any interest in the vehicle. For example, if it has been stolen we are not able to remove it
- if considered abandoned after checks, a letter is sent to ascertain ownership interest. A 7 day or 15 day notice will be attached to the vehicle
- after deadline set out in the letter expires - vehicle is revisited, photographed and if in situ and no owner interest then can be impounded
- letter sent to registered owner to inform them the vehicle is to be impounded
- if the vehicle is not claimed, it can be disposed of as required