Abandoned Vehicles
The Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 and the Road Traffic
Act 1984 sets out powers to remove and dispose of abandoned
vehicles, and to remove vehicles that are broken down or
causing an obstruction.
The Council only has the power to remove a vehicle which has
been abandoned. It is the responsibility of the Police to
remove vehicles that are broken down or causing an
obstruction.
All vehicles reported to the Council as abandoned will be
visited by a Council Officer within 24 hours of the report being
received. All vehicles deemed to be abandoned after investigations
will be removed with 24 hours.
How can you tell if a vehicle is abandoned?
There are several things to look for when assessing if a
vehicle is abandoned.
- Has it been parked in the same place for a long time?
- Are there weeds etc. growing around the wheels?
- Are any of the tyres deflated?
- Are any of the windows smashed?
- Is the vehicles tax disc out of date?
- Has the vehicle got a registered keeper?
- Has the vehicle been burned out?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then the vehicle may
have been abandoned.
Just because a vehicle is untaxed, it doesn't necessarily mean
it is abandoned.
Why do people dump cars?
Some people are unaware that councils will remove cars and
others do not want to pay for their removeal.
The price of scrap metal has also fallen and scrap yards now
often charge to dispose of vehciles. In some cases, abandoned
vehicles have been Stolen and some car owners just cannot be
bothered to deal with the vehicle.
What happens when I report a vehicle as
abandoned?
Once a report has been made to the Council, an Officer will
visit the vehicle and make an assessment, based on the above
criteria. Photographs of the vehicle and it's location will
be taken for evidence. If it is decided that the vehicle is
abandoned, the Council will remove it within 24 hours.
Once a vehicle has been removed, the registered keeper of the
vehicle will be charged for the collection and disposal. This
is why it is so important that if you have sold a car you must
change the details with the DVLA.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, please contact
the Council, you can use our on-line Report
an Abandoned Vehicle form.
Alternatively you can email environment@richmondshire.gov.uk
or telephone: 01748 829100
or write to us at:
Environment Service
Friars Wynd
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 4RT
Friars Wynd
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 4RT
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Last updated:
26 March 2008
