Abandoned Vehicles
We aim to provide the best service possible when dealing with abandoned vehicles and work within legislation.
- What is an abandoned vehicle?
- How to report an abandoned vehicle
- How do I claim a vehicle?
- What happens to unclaimed vehicles?
- How does the Council respond to a complaint of an abandoned vehicle?
What is an abandoned vehicle?
A vehicle is abandoned if it does not appear to be in regular use and/or is not taxed (unless on private land with the landowner or occupier's permission) or no owner can be found for it. You can find out if a vehicle is taxed by going to the DVLA website 
.
How to report an abandoned vehicle
Fill in our abandoned vehicle report form
How do I claim a vehicle?
You will have to prove to us that you are the legal, registered keeper and that your vehicle is not abandoned. If it is in storage, you must pay any costs we have incurred. If you have abandoned a vehicle you may also be prosecuted, with a fine of up to £2,500 and up to three months in prison if you are found guilty.
What happens to unclaimed vehicles?
Wrecked, untaxed vehicles abandoned on the highway can be authorised for disposal after 24 hours. If the vehicle is in good condition, this can happen after seven days. Vehicles abandoned on all other land in the open air can be disposed of after a 15 day notice expires or sooner if the landowner/occupier confirms that the vehicle is not wanted on the land. Vehicles of a higher value will be taken into storage so that we can seek tenders for their sale and recoup some of the costs we have incurred.
How does the Council respond to a complaint of an abandoned vehicle?
Our enforcement officer will:
- Visit the vehicle within two working days after receiving the notification
- Assess the vehicle. If it appears to be abandoned and is on the public highway, an appropriate notice (such as seven day disposal, destruction etc) will be attached
- On all other land in the open air, place a 15 day notice on the vehicle to inform the registered keeper and/or the owner/occupier of the land, that it is being viewed as abandoned
- Take steps to trace the vehicle's owner. If we cannot find them, the vehicle will be removed and impounded or destroyed when the notice expires
- If the owner of the vehicle comes forward, we can take no further action in normal circumstances but the DVLA will be informed if it is untaxed
- Vehicles causing an obstruction or parked in a dangerous position on the highway should also be reported to the police.
This information is available as a leaflet, if you would like a copy please email us on customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk or telephone us on 01329 236100.