What is an abandoned vehicle?
An abandoned vehicle doesn’t usually have an owner and can be:
- untaxed – check if a vehicle is taxed
and
- without apparent value
- over 10 years old
- significantly damaged, burnt out or un-roadworthy condition
- stationary for a lengthy amount of time
How to report an abandoned vehicle
You can report an abandoned vehicle online with Sussex Police
Responsibilities in relation to alleged abandoned vehicles
Police responsibility
The police are responsible for investigating a vehicle if:
- it’s causing an obstruction or is left in a dangerous position on the highway
- it’s left in a dangerous position or condition after an accident
- it’s suspicious and may have been stolen
If the vehicle fits any of the above, report it to Sussex Police by calling 101, emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or by reporting it to Operation Crackdown
Our responsibility
We have a duty under Section 3 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, to investigate and remove abandoned vehicles within the District where appropriate.
We investigate reports of abandoned vehicles on:
- the highway
- Lay-byes
- Council car and coach parks
- Council Housing Estates and group dwellings
We don’t deal with abandoned vehicles that are:
- Untaxed vehicles that have an owner – report DVLA Unlicensed vehicles
- on private land, unless written permission is given by the landowner to deal with the vehicle in question
- parked outside a property against the wishes of the householder.
What Happens after a report has been made
We work closely with Sussex Police through Operation Crackdown to investigate and remove abandoned vehicles. We will
- Visit and photograph the vehicle
- Write to registered keeper to clarify the status of the vehicle
- If appropriate instruct our contractor to remove and destroy it
- Take no further action, if an owner comes forward and claims a vehicle
We also offer a voluntary surrender scheme for unwanted vehicles. Vehicle owners in Wealden can contact the Council to arrange for the collection of their unwanted vehicle, free of charge. If you want to surrender a vehicle, please fill in the Voluntary vehicle surrender form . Alternatively you can complete our Voluntary vehicle surrender form (word document)