Abandoned / End of Life Vehicles

2 What is the definition of an abandoned Vehicle?

An abandoned vehicle is defined in the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 - Section 3

"Where it appears to a local authority that a motor vehicle in their area is abandoned without lawful authority on any land in the open air or on any other land forming part of a highway…."

Other factors to determine an abandoned vehicle are:

• The Council believe the vehicle has been abandoned without lawful authority.
• The Council is of the opinion the vehicle is in such a condition it ought to be destroyed.

Note: Untaxed vehicles are not necessarily abandoned. These are a matter for the Norfolk Police and/or DVLA.

3 Identifying an Abandoned Vehicle

The following points should be considered when determining if a vehicle is abandoned:

• Is the vehicle untaxed?  Being untaxed or displaying an out of date tax disc does not mean the vehicle is abandoned.  The Council does not deal with taxed vehicles.
• The tyres are flat or wheels have been removed.
• There is litter and detritus (weeds/leaves) under and around the vehicle, indicating it has not moved for some time.
• Broken windows.
• Mould on inside or outside of the vehicle.
• Rubbish stored in the vehicle.
• Absence of number plates.
• Internal or external vandalism.
• The vehicle has recently appeared in the area, with no apparent owner e.g. the vehicle has been in the same spot for more than 10 days. 
• Vehicle is burnt out.
• It is parked on the highway.

4 When will the Council remove an Abandoned Vehicle?

Vehicles on the Highway

Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 the Council has a duty to investigate any vehicle on the highway which is apparently abandoned. This does not mean the vehicle will be removed.

When the vehicle is reported to NNDC a registered keeper check is carried out with the DVLA to determine the registered keeper. We then contact the registered keeper in writing and give them 5 working days to contact us or move the vehicle. After this period, and if the vehicle remains, the council's contractors will then be instructed to remove and destroy the vehicle. An investigation of an abandoned vehicle takes approximately 15 working days from notification the vehicle is abandoned to its removal.

NNDC will remove vehicles within 24 hours, once we have satisfied ourselves a vehicle is abandoned.

In the case of a burnt out vehicle it will be removed and destroyed within 24 hours of notification.

Vehicles on Private Land

If the vehicle is on private land, NNDC requires written confirmation from the landowner they do not want the vehicle on their land, and they wish for NNDC to deal with vehicle. If the cost of recovering the vehicle to the highway is not excessive NNDC will arrange for the removal of the vehicle. You will need to demonstrate ownership of the land in question. On receipt of this information the Council will follow the procedure used for vehicles on the highway.

However, if NNDC receives a report of an abandoned vehicle on private land from any one other than the land owner, and the vehicle is clearly abandoned, not just a nuisance, a 15 day notice may be served on the land owner or affixed to the vehicle to advise NNDC is planning to remove the vehicle. On day 15, if the vehicle is still there, the council's contractors will be instructed to remove and destroy the vehicle.

Burnt out vehicles on private land still require a 15 day notice before the vehicle can be removed, unless permission is given by the land owner, in writing, to remove the vehicle.

5 Untaxed Vehicles

Changes to the vehicle licensing system mean the registered owner of a vehicle is legally responsible for it. If you are the registered keeper of an abandoned vehicle you may be liable to prosecution for abandoning it, you will also be responsible for the costs incurred in removing and disposing of the vehicle. For more information on the changes to the road tax rules visit www.dvla.gov.uk. Currently NNDC has no responsibility for untaxed vehicles on the highway - these should be reported to the DVLA Hotline in Swansea on 08000 325202.

6 Nuisance Vehicles

Whilst an abandoned vehicle may also be a nuisance vehicle it does not follow that a nuisance vehicle is abandoned. The Council has powers to deal with certain types of nuisance vehicles and, depending on the problem, will work with the DVLA and Police to try and remedy the situation.

7 Scrap Vehicles or End of Life Vehicles

North Norfolk District Council does not offer a car removal service. If you have a vehicle you wish to dispose of please check listings in the phone book under Scrap Dealers or Vehicle Dismantlers. Alternatively, if you have a complete vehicle which you wish to dispose of free of charge, contact DLH Autorecyclers, based at Happisburgh and Stalham, for details on how they can assist you in getting rid of your car.

8 How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle

If you would like to report an abandoned vehicle please use the checklist above to help you decide if the vehicle is actually abandoned.

When reporting a vehicle we require the following details:

• Make, model and colour of vehicle
• Registration Number
• Location of Vehicle

Contact us on

Telephone: 01263 516085
Fax: 01263 514627
Email: ep@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Or report an abandoned vehicle online

Or Write to Environmental Protection, North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EN.

Click here to access a PDF version of the Abandoned Vehicle leaflet.

9 Further Contact Details and Frequently Asked Questions

Contact details for other Norfolk councils and a list of frequently asked questions can be found by visiting Norfolk Country Council's website.