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Abandoned vehicles
Vehicle crime and abandoned vehicles What is an abandoned vehicle?

The definition of an abandoned vehicle is found within the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 - Section 3.
In essence, an abandoned vehicle is a vehicle which:
  • appears to the Local Authority has been abandoned on any land in the open air or on any land forming part of a highway.
  • the Council believe has been abandoned without lawful authority.
  • the Council is of the opinion that it is in such a condition that it ought to be destroyed.
  • untaxed vehicles are not necessarily abandoned. These are a matter for the Surrey Police and/ or DVLA.
Reporting an abandoned vehicle?

Any report should include the following:
  • location
  • make
  • colour, and
  • index no. (if any) of the vehicle.
When a vehicle is reported, it is logged and if no keeper is shown, a current keeper enquiry is sent to DVLA, who should respond within 12 hours.

An officer will visit the scene and place a notice on the vehicle requiring its removal.  The vehicle is then photographed.

An online form is available for you to inform us of an abandoned vehicle.

Removal of vehicles

Any vehicle in a dangerous position or condition can now be removed within 24 hours. This type of end of life vehicle can be immediately scrapped.

If the vehicle is not dangerous, but still considered to be abandoned and we are unable to contact any keeper, the vehicle can be removed after seven days. This is of course subject to contractor workloads.

There is now no need to retain a vehicle unless it has some value or it is considered that an ownership claim may be made.

Removal of abandoned vehicles remains the responsibility of Spelthorne Borough Council.

The cost of dealing with 2,500 reported abandoned vehicles in the Spelthorne area amounts to approximately £20,000 per year.

How to report an abandoned vehicle

First ensure that the vehicle is abandoned as described in What is an Abandoned Vehicle?  

Call Spelthorne Borough Council on:- 01784 446326 or complete the electronic form

If you have difficulty filling out this electronic form or you discover a fault, please contact Customer Services on:

01784 451499 or customer.services@spelthorne.gov.uk