Abandoned vehicles:
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are expensive to remove;
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have an adverse effect on the environment;
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look unsightly and lower the quality of life in the neighbourhood;
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quickly become dangerous when vandalised or used as skips and filled with hazardous waste; and
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there is also a risk of explosion or injury from dangerous fluids, which leak and can catch fire or run into the water stream.
An abandoned vehicle is a vehicle on any land forming part of the highway, which:
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is untaxed and has no current registered keeper;
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has been stationary for a significant amount of time;
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is significantly damaged, run down, unroadworthy or burned out;
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is lacking one or more of its number plates; or
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contains waste.
Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, it is an offence to abandon a motor vehicle or anything that has formed part of a motor vehicle or abandon anything else on the highway. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, the local authority may now issue fixed penalty notices.
A person found guilty of such an offence may be fined up to £2,500 or receive three months in prison, or both.
In 2006/07 the council had 363 reported cases of abandoned vehicles. Those that were deemed abandoned were removed, on average, in less than three days.
Report an abandoned vehicle
If you believe that a vehicle has been abandoned please contact the Abandoned Vehicles Officer on 01284 757325 or email: waste.management@stedsbc.gov.uk with details of:
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the vehicle type;
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registration number; and
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exact location.
End-of-life vehicles
The council can help with the removal of cars which are at the end of their life. There is a charge for this service.
To arrange for a collection or find out more contact the Abandoned Vehicles Officer on 01284 757325 or email waste.management@stedsbc.gov.uk
