How to identify a potentially
abandoned vehicle
Making a report
What will happen to my report?
Abandoned vehicles on fire
Fines and charges
More information
How to identify a
potentially abandoned vehicle
To help you decide if a vehicle has been abandoned in your area,
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?
- Are the brake disks rusty?
If you answer yes to any questions above, then report the vehicle
to us.
Making a
report
When reporting an abandoned vehicle, you will need to tell us as
many of the following points as possible:
- The exact location of the vehicle (what address is it parked
outside or nearest 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.
Don't attempt to interfere with or remove the vehicle
yourself.
To make a report of an abandoned vehicle, please contact the
Environmental Maintenance Team on 01952 384384 or
email
What will happen to my
report?
On receipt of your report you will be given a unique reference
number. You may call us at any time for an update on your report,
quoting the reference number.
An officer will inspect the vehicle in question. We aim to inspect
all reported abandoned vehicles within one working day. Please note
that reports received after midday on a Friday may not be inspected
until the following Monday.
If the officer believes the vehicle is abandoned, a notice will be
served on the vehicle and attempts will be made to contact the
registered keeper.
If upon expiry of the notice, the vehicle remains on site or has
not been claimed by the registered keeper, 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 28 days it will be
recycled.
Abandoned vehicles on
fire
If you find a vehicle that is 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.
Normally the police or fire service will inform us of "burnt out
vehicles" that require removal. However, if you discover a burnt
out vehicle, please report it to us so that immediate removal can
be arranged. 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, carrying a maximum
penalty of a fine of £2,500 or three months imprisonment, or
both.
Owners of abandoned vehicles are also liable for the following
council costs:
- £105 vehicle removal.
- £12 per day storage to a maximum of 14 days.
For more
information
If you cannot find the information that you need from this web
page, please do not hesitate to call 01952 384384 or
email
us and a member of our enforcement team will contact you to discuss
your query.
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