Report an abandoned vehicle
Overview
We investigate reports of abandoned vehicles and can remove vehicles that have been abandoned on public or private land.
Before reporting a vehicle, check whether it is abandoned and if we are responsible for dealing with it.
What you can report
Not all nuisance vehicles are abandoned. A vehicle parked outside your property for a few days may be inconvenient, but that does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned.
You can report a vehicle if it:
- does not have an up-to-date vehicle tax or MOT
- has been stationary for a significant period of time (usually 3 weeks or more)
- is burnt out and the owner is not known locally
- is significantly damaged or appears unroadworthy
- has flat tyres, missing wheels, broken windows or missing number plates
What you cannot report
We cannot usually investigate vehicles that:
- are still being used
- have valid tax and MOT
- are insured
- are maintained or in reasonable condition
The exception is where the vehicle is causing a danger or obstruction.
You can check a vehicle's tax status online.
SORN vehicles
A vehicle with a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) can be legally kept on private land, such as a driveway, garage or allocated parking space.
If a SORN vehicle is parked on a public road, report it to the DVLA.
Report vehicles that are not abandoned
If the vehicle is not abandoned, report it to the appropriate organisation below.
Report to the police
Contact the police if the vehicle is:
- stolen (101)
- being driven without an MOT or insurance (101)
- blocking a road or footpath (101)
- on fire or being vandalised (999)
Report to the DVLA
Contact the DVLA if the vehicle is:
- untaxed
- subject to a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and parked on a public road
Report to Buckinghamshire Council
Contact us if the vehicle is:
Report an abandoned vehicle
You'll need:
- the postcode or street name
- the location on a map
- the type of vehicle
- how long it has been there
- whether it is taxed
- details of its condition and any damage
You can also upload photographs and provide additional comments.
When you submit a report, you can sign up for updates about its progress.
About the abandoned vehicle process
When we receive a report, we inspect the vehicle and consider:
- its condition
- whether it appears to be in use
- how long it has been in the same location
- whether it has valid tax and MOT
No single factor automatically means a vehicle is abandoned.
How long investigations take
The time taken to remove a vehicle depends on the circumstances.
Before removal action can usually be taken, we may need to:
- Inspect the vehicle.
- Obtain keeper information from the DVLA.
- Monitor the vehicle.
- Contact the registered keeper.
- Serve a notice on the vehicle.
This means investigations often take several weeks before removal action can begin.
Checking ownership
Where necessary, we request the registered keeper's details from the DVLA.
This process currently takes around 2 to 6 weeks, although it can sometimes take longer.
While waiting for this information, we monitor the vehicle to see whether it is being moved or used.
Contacting the owner
When the registered keeper is identified, we write to them explaining that the vehicle has been reported as abandoned.
If the vehicle is not claimed, moved or removed, we may begin the removal process.
Vehicle notices
| Location | Notice period |
|---|---|
| Dangerous vehicle | 24 hours |
| Public road or highway | 7 days |
| Private land | 15 days |
Vehicles that cannot be moved before a notice expires
If your vehicle has broken down and you cannot move it before a notice expires, call 0300 131 6000 using the contact details shown on the notice.
A report may be closed because:
- the owner was identified and claimed the vehicle
- the vehicle was not considered abandoned
- the vehicle was being used
- duplicate reports were received
If you submitted the report, you should receive an update explaining why it was closed.
The closure reason can also be viewed when checking the report status, even if you did not submit the report.
If you need more information, call 0300 131 6000.
Vehicles removed from the highway are stored for 7 days.
To enquire about or reclaim a removed vehicle, contact our Customer Service Centre on 0300 131 6000.
A fee may be payable before a vehicle can be released.
A vehicle may not be removed because:
- it had broken down but was not abandoned
- the owner was identified and claimed it
- the owner was away from home
- the vehicle was being used
- the vehicle was legally being kept on private land
- the vehicle was covered by a SORN declaration
Untaxed vehicles
We can only remove an untaxed vehicle if it has been abandoned and does not have a valid MOT.
If a vehicle has a valid MOT and has been seen being driven, it can be reported to the DVLA.
Vehicles with tax but no MOT
A taxed vehicle without an MOT cannot normally be treated as abandoned.
Vehicles with no MOT, or vehicles being driven on the road without an MOT, can be reported to the police.
Vehicles with a removal notice that remain in place
There may be several reasons why a vehicle remains in place after a notice has been attached.
We keep records of all abandoned vehicle investigations. If you would like an update, call 0300 131 6000.
Private landowners can ask us to investigate vehicles that do not belong to them and have been left on land within their control.
Where removal action is appropriate, we will:
- Inspect the vehicle.
- Carry out a registered keeper check.
- Write to the registered keeper.
- Place a 15-day notice on the vehicle.
- Review the vehicle after the notice period expires.
- Arrange removal if it remains in place.
Vehicles removed from private land are stored for 7 days before being destroyed if they are not reclaimed.
We prioritise reports of burnt-out or severely damaged vehicles and aim to remove them as quickly as possible.
However, the police may need to carry out a forensic investigation before the vehicle can be removed. This can delay removal.
Vehicles displaying foreign registration plates are usually monitored for up to 6 months before removal action is considered.