How to identify an abandoned
vehicle
Making a report
What will happen to my report?
Abandoned vehicles on fire
Fines and charges
How to identify an
abandoned vehicle
To help you decide if a vehicle has been abandoned, ask yourself
the following questions
- Has the vehicle been parked without moving for two weeks
or more?
- Is the vehicle untaxed?
- Are there any flat tyres or removed wheels?
- Is the windscreen or any window broken?
- Is the vehicle rusty or mouldy?
- Does the vehicle contain items of waste?
- Does the vehicle have number plates?
- Are there wires hanging from the dashboard?
If you answer yes to any of the above questions, then report the
vehicle to us.
Making a
report
When reporting an abandoned vehicle, we will need as much of the
following information as possible
- The location of the vehicle (what address is it parked outside
or near to)
- The make, model and colour of the vehicle
- The registration number (if visible)
- Have parts been removed which might make it dangerous to
passers by?
- If the vehicle is burnt out
Do not attempt to interfere with or remove the vehicle
yourself.
To report an abandoned vehicle, contact Environmental Maintenance
Team on 01952 384384 or
email.
What will happen to my
report?
When we receive your report, we will give you a reference number so
you can call us for an update at any time.
We aim to inspect all reported abandoned vehicles within 24 hours,
although reports received after midday on a Friday may not be
inspected until midday the following Monday.
If the vehicle is believed to be abandoned, a notice will be served
on it and attempts will be made to contact the registered
keeper.
If the vehicle remains unmoved after the notice expires and no
owner has come forward, it will be removed and stored for a minimum
of 28 days or until the road tax expires if this is longer.
If the vehicle remains unclaimed after this period it will be
recycled.
Abandoned vehicles on
fire
If you find a vehicle on fire
- Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire Service
- Keep well back
- Don't attempt to put the fire out yourself
When you speak to the 999 emergency operators, you will need to
give details of
- The location of the fire
- Life or property in danger
- Whether you feel the fire is accidental or deliberate
The police or fire service will normally inform us of burnt out
vehicles that require removal. However, if you discover a burnt out
vehicle, please report it to us so we can arrange immediate
removal. If the vehicle is discovered at a weekend, or outside of
normal office hours, please ring 08451 559955 and
the standby officer will arrange removal.
If you discover a vehicle which you think has been stolen or is
obstructing a public highway to such an extent that it upsets the
flow of traffic or is a danger, please report the vehicle to
Telford police on 08457 444888
Fines and
charges
Abandoning a vehicle is a criminal offence and carries a maximum
penalty of a £2,500 fine, three months imprisonment, or both.
Owners of abandoned vehicles are also liable for the following
costs
- £105 vehicle removal
- £12 per day storage to a maximum of 14 days
For more information contact us on 01952 384384 or
email and a member of our enforcement team will contact you to
discuss your query.
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