If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, maybe because of its appearance/condition or the fact it hasn’t moved for some time, please check to see if it has road tax by entering the registration number and make on gov.uk. If it does have road tax we probably won't be able to treat is as an abandoned vehicle.
We are unable to remove a vehicle solely due to an expired MOT status.
We are only able to investigate when the vehicles registration or chassis number reflects that the vehicle has an expired tax status.
To report an abandoned vehicle, please complete our abandoned vehicle form.
- Untaxed vehicles should be reported to the DVLA on 0300 7906801.
- Vehicles causing an obstruction should be reported to the Police on 101
It is an offence to abandon a vehicle and it can lead to a fine of up to £2500 plus removal, disposal and storage costs.
What happens next?
- The details of the vehicle will be passed to the investigating officer. They will inspect the vehicle and assess whether it is abandoned and in some circumstances arrange for its removal. Undamaged vehicles will be visited, photographed and have a removal notice attached.
- Vehicles of limited monetary value will be removed after expiry of the notice.
- Attempts will be made, via the DVLA to trace the owners of vehicles that have a reasonable value. If these attempts are unsuccessful the vehicle may be removed.
Free car disposal service
To prevent cars being abandoned, we offer a free disposal scheme for Tandridge residents. To use the scheme you must live in the district and be the legal owner of the vehicle with your name and address recorded on the vehicle’s V5 registration document.
Call Autocovery on 07860 667785 to arrange collection. An approved vehicle dismantler will depollute and recycle your vehicle or it will be used by West Sussex Fire & Rescue for training and then scrapped.