Abandoned Vehicles

Definition- What is an abandoned vehicle?

A vehicle that nobody claims ownership of. They are usually vehicles that:

• Are untaxed
• Have no value
• Are over 10 years old
• Are in an un-roadworthy condition
• Are burnt out

What We Do

Investigate reports of abandoned vehicles on:

• Highways
• Lay-bys
• Council car and coach parks
• Council Housing Estates and Group Dwellings

What We Don't Do

We don't deal with abandoned vehicles that are:

• Untaxed vehicles that have an owner - report DVLA Unlicensed vehicles
• Vehicles on private land, unless written permission is given by the landowner to deal with the vehicle in question
• Vehicles causing an obstruction or in a dangerous position - this is a matter for the police
• Vehicles left in a dangerous position or condition after an accident - this is a matter for the police
• Vehicles that are lost or stolen - this is a matter for the police
• Vehicles parked outside a house, which the householder does not like - this is not an offence

What Happens Next

• Liaising with Operation Crackdown (Police) and DVLA
• Visit and photograph the vehicle
• Write to registered keeper if there is one
• Operation Crackdown makes a decision from the evidence provided to determine if the vehicle is removed or not
• If the vehicle is removed it is taken away by our contractors and destroyed
• If an owner comes forward at any stage of the process we no longer continue with our enquiries

How to report an abandoned vehicle:

• Online with Sussex Police (external link) or contact us on the details below.