Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned vehicles are an environmental hazard, represent a danger to the public (especially children), create a magnet for crime and blight our communities.

Abandoned vehicles create problems not only for Councils but also for the Police and the Fire Service.

Is the vehicle abandoned?

A vehicle is considered abandoned if:

• Stationary for a long period / signs of disuse: If a vehicle has not moved for a significant period, it may be considered abandoned. This could be determined by mould, moss or foliage growing on or around the vehicle, which would suggest it has been stationary for some time.  
• Poor condition: Significant damage, burnt out, missing significant parts (wheels, engine), flat tyres or broken windows.
• Missing identification: No valid number plates.
• No registered keeper / tax: The vehicle has been without tax for more than two months, and records indicate no registered owner this will be referred to the DVLA who will deal with the vehicle from this point.

What is not considered abandoned:

• A parked vehicle with valid tax, even if it has not moved for a few weeks
• A vehicle that is known to belong to a local resident.
• Vehicles parked in legally questionable spots, such as obstructing a driveway, on zig-zag lines, are usually considered a "nuisance" or "illegal parked" rather than abandoned. Please report these to Nottinghamshire County Council.
  • website: Nottinghamshire County Council - Parking Enforcement

Abandoned vehicles process

When a potential abandoned vehicle is reported, it will be investigated by an officer from our Community Safety Team who will conduct the necessary investigations to confirm if the vehicle is abandoned or not. This will include conducting various checks including assessing the condition of the vehicle and establishing the registered keepers’ details and tax status via the DVLA.

Following initial investigations if a vehicle is believed to be abandoned the registered keeper will be contacted and a notice will be served onto the vehicle.
If a vehicle is considered to be a hazard to the public and/or environment the vehicle will be removed before the notice expires.

Of all the complaints currently received by us concerning abandoned vehicles approximately 50% can be removed under statutory powers relating to "Abandonment". The remaining vehicles are not technically abandoned or are not in the location reported when a site visit is made.

Report an abandoned vehicle

If you see a vehicle that you think may be abandoned (not untaxed or unregistered) you should contact us to report the vehicle, ensuring that you provide us with as many of the following details as you can:

• The exact location of the vehicle
• Make
• Model
• Colour
• Registration Number

Report a vehicle

Contact us

• email: ASBDuty@ashfield.gov.uk
• telephone: 01623 457345