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Abandoned and untaxed vehicles

 
If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, is untaxed on the public highway or a nuisance vehicle, please inform us and we will deal with the problem.

How to report an abandoned vehicle

Reports are welcomed from anyone regarding abandoned, untaxed or nuisance vehicles anywhere in the borough. You can report by post, telephone, email or online form:

If the car is on a Transport for London road (for example, motorways), you must report it to Transport for London. Contact our Customer Service Centre using the number on the right and they can advise you on how to do this.

Do you want to get rid of your old car? Find out about the free take-back of old vehicles.

Is there a charge?

The service is generally free. If the vehicle is on private land, please contact our abandoned vehicle officers on 020 8921 5703 for advice on a possible charge, usually up to a maximum of £95.

What we will need to know

We will need to know the following information to be able to deal with the problem:

  • the vehicle's location
  • what condition it is in
  • its registration number
  • its colour
  • the make and model.

What happens next

We aim to remove all nuisance vehicles within three working days of them being reported. Our inspectors first visit the vehicle within one working day of the report in order to decide the appropriate action to be taken.

We then aim to remove vehicles designated as abandoned within one working day of the inspectors' decision.

Untaxed vehicles will be impounded as soon as possible.

There may be some delay in removing vehicles if:
  • they are blocked in
  • they need emptying of rubbish
  • their location or circumstance requires police support for their removal
  • the vehicle is on council housing or private land, which in some cases means that we need to issue a 15-day notice on the vehicle or to the owner's address.

Any complaints?

We log all complaints, so if you have a query regarding a previously reported vehicle, please call us on 020 8921 5703.

Further information

For more information about vehicle registration and licensing, visit the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website.

Find out more about abandoned vehicle penalties and the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website.

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