Abandoned vehicles
Abandoned vehicles are an increasing problem in the community. They are unsightly, often at risk of vandalism and can be dangerous to residents.
It is an offence to abandon a motor vehicle and the maximum penalty is a fine of £20,000 and six months imprisonment.
Reporting Abandoned Vehicles
There are three ways you can report abandoned vehicles:
- Call the Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting the make of the car, model, registration number and exact location
- Call Waste Management on 01494 732053
- You can also report untaxed vehicles on the DVLA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website or by calling the Customer Enquiry Line on 0300 790 6802. They will make the necessary checks on the vehicle and then contact us to begin proceedings to remove the vehicle.
A Council Inspector will inspect the vehicle and affix a notice to it, advising of the Council's intention to remove and scrap the vehicle after 7 days. If the owner does not remove the vehicle within the specified time, we will arrange for its removal and destruction.
Your responsibilities
As the registered keeper of a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is operated legally. You are also responsible for any penalties which are the result of any misuse of the vehicle while it is registered under your name. This means that you can be prosecuted if you leave it in the street and it becomes a hazard to the public.
End of Life Vehicle Directive (2002)
This directive means that scrap vehicles are now classified as hazardous waste and therefore must be disposed of in the correct manner. If not, the registered keeper risks a maximum penalty of a £20,000 fine and six months imprisonment.
What should I do with my scrap vehicle?
Remember, it is an offence to leave an untaxed car on a public road. If a vehicle has failed its MOT and you decide to scrap it, you need to ensure you dispose of it carefully.
If it has failed its MOT on something which is not immediately dangerous, you can drive the vehicle to the scrap yard (see below). You must, however ensure that your vehicle is insured until you have disposed of it. Many scrap yards do not charge for the disposal of a delivered vehicle as costs can be recouped from the value of the scrap steel. Others offer reduced rates. Sometimes there are charges for the disposal of tyres - approximately £1+ VAT per tyre. When you dispose of your car, you should send the registration document to the DVLA, confirming that you have scrapped it. This is important, because if it ends up in unscrupulous hands and is dumped illegally, you could be held responsible.
If the MOT indicates that the vehicle is dangerous in its present condition, you must not drive the vehicle, but have it towed or lifted to the scrap yard (see below). If you are unsure whether to drive your vehicle, take advice from your MOT testing station. If you cannot move the vehicle yourself, you need to arrange to have it collected by a scrap dealer or car removing firm.
We will remove vehicles on request, however it may be cheaper to make arrangements with a private firm. A private firm will often charge approximately £40-50 +VAT per vehicle.
Local scrap yards and vehicle removers
Scrap yard
1st Wycombe Car Spares
High Heavens
Wood Clay Lane
Booker
High Wycombe
Telephone: 01494 444611
Vehicle Removers
A G Evans
Lodge Way
Chesham Road
Wiggington
Nr Tring
Herts
HP23 6JG
Telephone: 01494 758388
C G Motors
17 Lyndhurst Road
Chesham
Bucks
HP5 2EE
Telephone: 01494 793679
Mobile: 07831 258078
