Abandoned vehicles frequently asked questions

• What is an abandoned vehicle?
• Why are vehicles abandoned?
• Who can report an abandoned vehicle?
• How can I report an abandoned vehicle?
• What happens to reported vehicles?
• Can I report an untaxed vehicle?
• How can I dispose of my own vehicle?
• Can vehicles be removed in an emergency to protect public safety?

What is an abandoned vehicle?

The following criteria will help decide if a vehicle may be abandoned:

• One or more flat tyres
• Presence of litter, weeds etc under the vehicle indicating that it has not been moved for some time
• Rusty brake discs indicating that vehicle has not been moved for some time
• Broken windscreen or any of the windows broken. Presence of mould on either the inside or outside of the vehicle
• Presence of waste eg tyres inside the vehicle
• Absence of number plates
• Whether the vehicle is currently licensed

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Why are vehicles abandoned?

The reasons for the increase of abandoned vehicles are many and varied and include the increase in motoring costs, the continuing down turn in the value of scrap metal and the simple fact that as more cars are being produced, more need to be disposed of.

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Who can report an abandoned vehicles?

Any member of the public can report an abandoned vehicle. If you think you know of an Abandoned Vehicle please contact the Abandoned Vehicle Team see details in the right hand column. The team also receive reports from the Police and Traffic Wardens.

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How can I report an abandoned vehicle?

You can report an abandoned vehicle by contacting the council in a number of ways:

• Call the Abandoned Vehicle Team on 01752 304715
• Email the Abandoned Vehicle Team at abandoned.cars@plymouth.gov.uk
• Report an Abandoned Vehicle by using the abandoned vehicles online form
• Fax the Abandoned Vehicle Team on 01752 304786

Please try to give as much detail of the vehicle as possible, registration number, make, model and colour. To help us find the vehicle we need to know where to go, it is useful to use a landmark so we can pinpoint the problem.

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What happens to reported vehicles?

Vehicles considered by the Police, Traffic Wardens, or our own Inspectors to be causing a potential danger to road users and other members of the community will be removed 24 hours after the official removal order has been issued.

When an authority has removed a vehicle (but it is not in such a condition that it ought to be destroyed) and has located the owner, the period during which the owner is required to remove the vehicle from the custody of the authority is reduced from 21 days to 7 days from when the relevant notice is served on him. The authority may dispose of the vehicle after the expiry of that 7 day period, provided there is no valid car tax disc in force for that vehicle.

Street Services currently offer a collection service for residents wishing to dispose of their vehicles. Please contact the Abandoned Vehicle Team see details in the right hand column for further information.

If you have seen a vehicle that you suspect has been abandoned either because of it's condition or appearance and/or the fact that it has not been moved for some weeks, please check if the vehicle has a valid tax disc. If it does then we are unlikely to be able to treat it as abandoned.

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Can I report an untaxed vehicle?

Yes, but you will need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The Council does not have the legislative powers to enforce compliance with Vehicle Excise Licence (otherwise called Road Tax) offences. However, our enforcement officers routinely report untaxed vehicles to the DVLA.

If you wish to report a vehicle that appears to be unlicensed, the details should be sent in writing to your nearest DVLA Office. This may be done anonymously.

The details must include:

• the registration mark
• location of the vehicle
• the make/model and colour

Wherever possible, you will need to provide:

• the time it can be seen on the public road
• name and address of the owner

The information provided could then be used for further investigations by an Inquiry Officer who will make a formal sighting of the vehicle and complete a witness statement.

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How can I dispose of my vehicle?

Any member of the public who wishes to dispose of their vehicle can request a removal service which is currently provided by the City Council at a charge of £23.50 (incl. VAT). Caravans can also be disposed at a charge of £50.00 (incl. VAT). Any vehicles that are to be disposed must be free of any rubbish.

You have to fill in and sign a form authorising the City Council to remove and dispose of your vehicle for you. We will also require transfer of the documentation relating to the vehicle and we will then notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped.

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Can vehicles be removed in an emergency to protect public safety?

The City Council has limited powers to immediately remove a vehicle, which is a hazard to members of the public. It is usually the Police who have the authority to request immediate removal of a vehicle in this instance.

However if a vehicle is burnt out then the Council may arrange immediate removal.

If a vehicle is located on housing land, The Housing Department can also request an immediate removal if the vehicle is deemed dangerous and poses a threat to public safety.

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