Abandoned Vehicles
How we provide this service
The removal of abandoned vehicles is supported by Environmental Services, Waste Services.
What to do to get this service
If you need to report an abandoned vehicle please obtain as much of the following information as possible:
- Location of car (as much detail as possible)
- Model of car
- Colour of car
- Registration number
- How long it has been there
- The owners details, if known
- Whether it has a current tax disc
Once you have the information, please call Customer Services on (01775) 761161 or complete the online form.
A Neighbourhood Warden will inspect the vehicle and take the necessary further actions.
Vehicles For Sale on the Highway
Please note that it is illegal to offer your vehicle for sale on the public highway; it is classed as illegal street trading.
Vehicles for sale on the highway take up valuable parking spaces and are an eyesore and a nuisance to local residents and other road users.
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
Online Form
Common Questions
Q. How do I report an abandoned car?
A. Please call our Customer Service Team on (01775) 761161 or use the online form. Try and have as much information to hand as possible about the vehicle (see section above).
Q. How do you determine if a vehicle is abandoned?
A. We treat a vehicle as abandoned if one of the following applies:
- The tax disc is out of date.
- The windows have been broken or doors left open.
- It's clearly not being used; for example, it has dirty windows or debris inside.
- It's a danger to the public.
- It's causing an obstruction.
If you are having problems with vehicles where the tax has expired but the vehicle is still being used, please contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) hotline on 0800 0325 202.
Q. How soon will it be moved?
A. Once the vehicle is reported, an inspector is sent out ASAP. Each vehicle is assessed individually. If we can identify the owner of the vehicle they are given time to remove the car. Otherwise a notice will be displayed on the vehicle advising the owner. If it is then not removed we will remove and dispose of it (usually after 24 hours). If it is causing a hazard it is removed as soon as possible.
Q. How can I claim my vehicle and prevent it being disposed of?
A. If a notice has been attached to your vehicle you must:
- Contact us IMMEDIATELY on 01775 761161 and state that you wish to claim the vehicle.
- Arrange a date and time with our staff to enable you to bring in the log book, insurance documents and MOT certificate for us to copy and put on file.
Q. How do I prevent my vehicle being mistaken as an abandoned vehicle?
A. If you park your vehicle on the highway you must display a valid tax disc even if you are not using the vehicle. Alternatively, arrange for your vehicle to be stored off the highway.
Printed leaflets available providing more information
We have a good selection of leaflets at our offices in Priory Road, Spalding. Alternatively, why not visit some of our other A-Z information pages for further details on the services we provide?
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
