Abandoned Vehicles
What is an abandoned vehicle?
A vehicle is only abandoned ‘where it appears to a local authority that a motor vehicle is abandoned without lawful authority…’ (Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978). This means that a vehicle is only abandoned when the authorised officer at the local authority decides that it is abandoned. The term “vehicle” in this context means a motor vehicle or trailer or anything which forms part of a motor vehicle or trailer including any item contained within it.
What are the problems caused by abandoned vehicles?
There are various problems caused by abandoned vehicles including:
- Negative effect on local environmental quality;
- Risk of injury;
- Leaking dangerous fluids;
- Attracting vandalism;
- Vehicles can be the result of, or lead to a crime;
For this reason, North Kesteven District Council takes a proactive approach to vehicles believed to be abandoned.
How does the Local Authority determine whether a vehicle is abandoned?
The following criteria are used to determine a vehicles status:
If the vehicle is burnt out or is unlocked/keys in the ignition, arrangements will be made to remove the vehicle without notice.
If the vehicle is not displaying a current tax disc and there is no reg. keeper on DVLA website, arrangements will be made to remove the vehicle without notice.
If the vehicle shows 3 or more of the following criteria, arrangements will be made to remove the vehicle: stationary for significant. period, damaged or unroadworthy, missing wheels / flat tyres, missing number plate/s, contains waste, local residents or police have no knowledge of owner or if no consent has been given for it to be parked.
