Abandoned and nuisance vehicles

The changing price of scrap metal means that abandoned vehicles continue to be a problem. 

It is a criminal offence to abandon a motor vehicle, or any part of, on land in the open air or on a highway. It can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and/or three months in prison. 

Alternatively, a fixed penalty notice may be issued by the local authority. This is a one-off payment of £200.

Many vehicles reported as abandoned are instead untaxed, or badly parked. A vehicle may be in poor condition, or untaxed, but this does not mean it has been abandoned. Additional enquiries may have to be made before the Council can remove it.