Abandoned Vehicles

Gedling Borough Council has a duty to remove vehicles abandoned in the open air (that is, not under cover). Once we receive a report we aim to inspect that vehicle within 24 hours. This inspection is to determine if the vehicle is, in the opinion of the Council, abandoned. (Many reported to us are not abandoned but are untaxed vehicles that are in use.) We will also check if the vehicle is wanted by the Police for any enquiries.

If the vehicle is thought to have been abandoned the appropriate notice is served on the vehicle giving 24* hours. (15* days if the vehicle is on private land) notice of our intention to remove the vehicle. If after the 24 hours the vehicle is still at the same location, the Council will arrange for the removal and destruction or storage of the vehicle (depending upon its condition) as soon as possible.

*not including weekends or bank holidays.

If you want to report a possible abandoned vehicle please contact us on 0115 901 3787 or email waste@gedling.gov.uk .

You can also use the Report a Fault or Incident facility to report a vehicle you believe to be abandoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an Abandoned Vehicle?
• What is not an Abandoned Vehicle?
• What happens when I report an Abandoned Vehicle?

What is an Abandoned Vehicle?

An Abandoned Vehicle is one which -

• has been left in the open air unwanted and discarded by its owners or others for a period of time (Three weeks would normally be the minimum).

and or,

• is in such a condition that in the opinion of the Council it should be destroyed, this would apply to burnt out vehicles or severely damaged vehicles.

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What is Not an Abandoned Vehicle?

• Badly parked or obstructive vehicles – these should be reported to the Police.
• Untaxed vehicles, which are being used or repaired on the public highway – these should be reported to the DVLA.
• Unroadworthy vehicles which are being used or repaired on the public highway – these should be reported to the Police.
• Stolen or accident damaged vehicles awaiting recovery.
• Vehicles left in garages, covered car parks or other structures.
• Vehicles which are required by the Police in connection with their enquiries.

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What Happens When I Report an Abandoned Vehicle?

Initially the Council will carry out an inspection of the vehicle; this is to gather information to enable the Council to satisfy itself that the vehicle can be legally described as abandoned. It is our aim to carry out the inspection within 24* hours of the report being received by us.

Where the inspecting officer is satisfied the vehicle is abandoned the appropriate notice will be served.

For vehicles on highway land 24* hours (the notice will be attached to the vehicle)

For vehicles on private or occupied land 15* days (the notice will be sent to the occupier)

While the notice period is running we also check with the Police to see if they have any interest in the vehicle. Any vehicle the Police have an interest in is not treated as abandoned.

During the notice period the owner of the vehicle may come forward to claim the vehicle. If so, we will give advice on how to bring the vehicle into legal use.

Once the notice period has expired we check the vehicle is still at the location (quite a few have been removed by their owners at this point).

If the vehicle is still on site we will arrange for its removal and destruction or storage depending upon its condition. This will usually be between 24 and 48* hours from the expiratory of the notice. Where ground conditions or other restrictions affect access this can take substantially longer.

* Not including weekends or bank holidays.

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