Abandoned vehicles are a problem throughout the whole of the UK. As well as detracting from the visual amenity of an area and often causing direct inconvenience to residents, they are also targets for arson and vandalism.
Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 (which has since been amended by numerous Acts and Regulations), local authorities have a duty to remove a vehicle that has been abandoned on any open land or on any road to which the public have access.
Is the vehicle abandoned?
There is no legal definition of an abandoned vehicle, in other words the circumstances indicate that the owner has no further interest in it. Although it does not have to satisfy any or all of the following examples, these and similar considerations are used by council officers in deciding whether or not a vehicle has been abandoned:
- Out of tax or no SORN
- No immediately local keeper
- Remained stationary for a period of time
- Flat Tyre(s)
- Has been vandalised
- Badly parked
- Left on land other than that belonging to the owner
- Insecure
- Contains waste
- Burnt out
A vehicle does not have to meet any or all the above criteria for it to be considered as being abandoned. It is at the discretion of the investigating council officer who will have regard to all the individual circumstances in reaching a decision. For instance, although it would be unusual, a vehicle could be in tax and still considered as abandoned. Conversely, a vehicle that has no tax is not necessarily abandoned.
The council is responsible for the removal of abandoned vehicles from public land and the highway. An abandoned vehicle is "one has been left in the open air by it's owner without any intention of returning to it".
If a vehicle is parked on private land then permission is needed from the landowner prior to removal.
If a vehicle is causing an obstruction on the highway or, is thought to be stolen, involved in a crime or just un-taxed please report it to Gwent Police by telephoning (01633) 838111.
If a vehicle in un-taxed you should report this to the DVLA.
Report an unlicensed vehicles on the public road
A vehicle should not be reported as abandoned to resolve neighbourhood disputes or just because:
- It is untaxed
- It is taking up a parking space
- It is in poor condition and is felt to be detrimental to the area
Reporting an abandoned vehicle
The easiest way to report an abandoned vehicle is to do it online.
Alternatively, call Environmental Health on 01443 866544.
When reporting the abandoned vehicle, we need to know:
- Your name, address, postcode and telephone number
- Vehicle registration number, make, model and colour
- Tax disc expiry date
- Exact location of the vehicle
- Condition of the vehicle
- Reason why vehicle is believed to be abandoned
- Length of time the vehicle has been at that location