We are under a legal duty to investigate and remove vehicles from land that forms part of the highway or in the open air. This is if they are deemed to have been unlawfully abandoned.
This duty does not extend to the need to remove any vehicle. This is the case where the costs to do so are unreasonably high.
Abandoned vehicles will usually display the following characteristics -
- burnt out
- damaged and missing locks or windows
- doors unlocked or open
- flat tyres or missing wheels
- accumulation of waste within the vehicle
- poor vehicle condition. For example -
- it is damaged
- it is missing parts
- the bodywork is in poor condition
- stationary for a significant amount of time, unless other characteristics are present. It must be stationary for at least 30 days
- litter present underneath or waste stored inside the vehicle
- mould present inside or outside the vehicle
- missing number plates
- vehicle fluids leaking on the highway for example oil or brake fluids
The above list is provided for guidance purposes only. Vehicles may not have to be displaying the full list to be considered abandoned.
We are unlikely to remove a vehicle that is taxed and in good condition. This is unless there is strong evidence to confirm the vehicle is abandoned.
To report an abandoned vehicle, complete the online form below. If you have any evidence, you can also attach this to the form to assist with our investigation.
You cannot use this form to report -
- vehicles illegally parked
- suspected stolen vehicles or dangerously or recklessly parked vehicles. Contact Humberside Police on 101
- obstruction or parking disputes
- caravans or trailers on the highway
- vehicles left in -
- council garages
- parking areas
- estate land
Further information is below on -
- how to report vehicles illegally parked
- obstructions and parking disputes
- how to report caravans and trailers on the highway
Abandoned vehicles removed by the council
Abandoned vehicles removed by us will be notified to Humberside Police. We will write to the registered keeper of the vehicle at the address the vehicle is registered with the DVLA. This is to confirm -
- reasons for the vehicle been seized
- how to recover the vehicle
- information that must be provided to recover the vehicle
- charges to be paid for the release of the vehicle
- any other enforcement action to be taken
Vehicles not claimed within 30 days of removal by the registered keeper may be -
- sold
- destroyed
- otherwise disposed
Penalties
If you have evidence to help us to act against persons responsible for abandoned vehicles, it may result in -
- £200 fixed penalty
- recovery of costs -
- recovery
- storage
- disposal of vehicles
- prosecution and a maximum penalty of £2,500