Abandoned vehicles

Report an abandoned vehicle

Use this page to report an abandoned vehicle in Central Bedfordshire and find out what happens after a report is made.

Contents

Quick answers

  • you can report cars, motorbikes, vans, trailers and caravans
  • there is no single legal definition of an abandoned vehicle
  • each report must be investigated before a decision is made
  • vehicles that are taxed and in reasonable condition are not usually removed
  • final decisions are made by an investigating officer

Report an abandoned vehicle

Use this service to report a vehicle you believe has been abandoned in Central Bedfordshire.

Before you start

You will need:

  • vehicle make and model
  • vehicle colour
  • registration number, if available
  • exact location of the vehicle
  • photos, if possible
  • general condition and signs of deterioration
  • approximate length of time the vehicle has been there

Please report one vehicle per form.

Report an abandoned vehicle

Please note: There is no legal definition of an abandoned vehicle. Reports must be investigated and reasonable steps taken to identify or contact any interested parties.

If a vehicle is untaxed or declared SORN, you can report it to the DVLA. Vehicles no longer need to display a tax disc.

What happens after a report is made

After a report is received, an investigating officer will inspect the vehicle.

The officer will consider multiple factors to decide whether the vehicle is abandoned and suitable for removal. In some cases, the vehicle may be monitored over time before a decision is reached.

Please note: The final decision on abandonment rests with the investigating officer.

When we will not usually remove a vehicle

We will not normally remove a vehicle that is taxed and in reasonable condition unless there is strong evidence that:

  • it has not been used for a long period of time
  • it has been left on the highway or private land without permission

If the vehicle owner comes forward and claims the vehicle, it can no longer be treated as abandoned.

Signs a vehicle may be abandoned

These are common indicators used during an investigation. This list is not exhaustive and no single factor alone determines whether a vehicle is abandoned.

  • no valid tax or MOT
  • stationary for a prolonged period
  • significant bodywork damage
  • broken or missing windows
  • doors left open or unlocked
  • flat tyres or missing wheels
  • signs of vandalism or fire damage
  • missing number plates
  • waste or unusual contents inside the vehicle
  • unkempt or mouldy interior or exterior
  • vehicle location and land status
  • condition worsening over time

Nuisance, obstruction and parking issues

The council cannot resolve neighbour disputes or civil disagreements.

If a vehicle is causing an obstruction or danger to road users, report it to the police, who have powers to remove vehicles immediately.

If the issue relates to parking restrictions, this should be reported as a parking enforcement matter.

The council has a duty under Section 3 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 to remove abandoned vehicles within Central Bedfordshire.

Fixed penalty notices may be issued under Part 2 Section 10 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

We may:

  • remove, store and dispose of abandoned vehicles
  • recover costs for removal, storage and disposal
  • trace vehicle ownership and issue penalties

Registered keepers of abandoned vehicles may be liable for:

  • a fixed penalty charge of £200
  • vehicle removal costs
  • storage charges

Private landowners should seek independent legal advice if a vehicle cannot be dealt with by the council.

Scrap a vehicle or caravan

Scrap a vehicle (excluding caravans)

Collection and disposal of an end-of-life vehicle from domestic or non-domestic premises is free.

The registered keeper will receive a Certificate of Destruction.

Tell us you want to scrap your vehicle

Scrap a caravan

Collection and disposal of an end-of-life caravan costs £233.60.

Tell us you want to scrap your caravan