Introduction
A vehicle may remain on a public road provided it has a registered keeper, valid tax, a current MOT certificate, insurance (and parking permit in controlled zones, where applicable).
What is an abandoned vehicle?
There is no legal definition of abandoned and our officers have the freedom to use their discretion when making decisions on abandoned vehicles, looking for combination of the following situation:
- road tax and ownership status: untaxed, and appears to have no owner or keeper
- long‑term neglect: stationary for weeks or months, flat tyres, unsecured doors, or visible mould
- physical damage: missing number plates, run down or unroadworthy, broken windows, vandalism, or burnt‑out
- signs of waste: rubbish, discarded car parts or furniture
As such, in some circumstances, even vehicles with valid tax or MOT may still be considered as abandoned, if they appear neglected or hazardous.
What if the vehicle is parked outside my house?
There is no automatic right to a space outside your property. If the vehicle has road tax, a valid MOT certificate, insurance and it is not in the way, it can park there legally.
Is it a criminal offence to abandon a vehicle?
Yes, abandoning a vehicle or its parts on open land or the highway is an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978. Penalties include a fine of up to £2,500 or up to three months' imprisonment; alternatively, a Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued. The owner is also liable for all removal, storage and disposal costs.
How to report an abandoned vehicle
In order to report an abandoned vehicle, you will need to supply:
- Location (street name, nearby landmark or postcode).
- Vehicle details (make, model, colour, registration number if visible).
- Reason for reporting (e.g. untaxed, left for months, damaged).
If you have this information, you can report the abandoned vehicle by completing this form.
We will inspect and assess the vehicle. A15‑day notice of intended removal will be placed on the vehicle before action, unless it poses an immediate danger to the public.
What action will the Council take?
On receiving report of an abandoned vehicle, the Council will undertake an inspection and investigation. Once officers are satisfied the vehicle is abandoned, a removal notice will be affixed.
- Notice period: Vehicles on the highway normally receive a 7‑day notice of removal (or 24‑hour notice if the vehicle poses a safety risk).
- Storage and disposal: Removed vehicles are held for up to 21 days before lawful disposal, however if the vehicle poses other types of safety risks it may be disposed sooner.
Owner identified: If the registered keeper comes forward, the vehicle ceases to be classed as abandoned and may only be removed if it presents a danger. The keeper must then dispose of it correctly or face prosecution.
Claiming back an abandoned vehicle
Any vehicle declared abandoned and removed may be reclaimed by its owner by contacting Redcorn Ltd on 020 8803 0834 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. A statutory recovery fee, daily storage fees and disposal fees will apply.
Dangerous or burnt‑out vehicles
If you believe a vehicle is dangerous or has been burnt‑out and poses a risk to the public, please do not touch it, as it may require a police investigation. Report the vehicle by calling 101 or via Essex Police's “Report an Abandoned Vehicle” service online.
How to report untaxed or SORN vehicles on Highway
Vehicles untaxed for over two months, or such that has been declared off the road (SORN), should not be on the highway. You can check this online by visiting check vehicle tax. To report such a vehicle, use the DVLA's anonymous online form or call 0300 790 6802.
How to report a vehicle without an MOT
Vehicles without a valid MOT certificate should not be on the public highway. You can check a vehicle's MOT status online by visiting check the MOT status. To report such a vehicle, please contact the police via 101 or use their online reporting service.
Abandoned vehicle policy
For full details on vehicle removal can be found in our abandoned vehicles and vehicle removal policy.