Abandoned vehicles are a common and problematic issue for many private car park owners. Here’s how to remove vehicles legally and take back your space.
Car abandonment happens when a vehicle is left in your car park for an indefinite period of time. Not only does this block out one of your parking spaces for days, possibly weeks, but an abandoned vehicle is an eyesore and may also attract antisocial and criminal behaviour.
If you experience this issue, we’ve put together this quick guide which reveals the steps you should take.
Step 1: Don’t take matters into your own hands!
It is unlawful to wheel clamp or remove any vehicle parked on your private land without the “lawful authority” to do so. Lawful authority means the police, the council or the DVLA.
And not just that: it’s an offence to block-in or immobilise a vehicle on purpose. It has been this way in the UK since 2012, when the government enacted the Protection of Freedoms Act. Clamping, towing, or tampering with vehicles in any way could expose you and your business to criminal proceedings, so don’t do it (as tempting as it might be).
Step 2: Determine whether the vehicle is genuinely abandoned
The time the vehicle has been left is a key factor, but it may be misleading. You’ve no doubt read stories in the news where a driver has parked their car on private land and jetted off on holiday! This is annoying for the landowner – and bad form from the driver – but the car has not been abandoned indefinitely.
Instead, look for telltale signs which may point to abandonment, such as the following:
- Does it appear to have been involved in an accident (dented bodywork, airbags deployed)?
- Is there anything suspicious that suggests it may have been stolen (broken windows, missing number plates)?
- Are there signs of neglect (deflated tyres, heavy rust)?
If you truly believe the vehicle has been abandoned, don’t worry, keep reading!
Step 3: Check if the vehicle is in “dangerous condition”
Parking on private land is regarded as a civil dispute and in most cases the police can’t help.
However, the police will assist if the vehicle is in “dangerous condition”. This definition is open to interpretation, but it’s generally accepted to include things like leaking fuel, or potentially dangerous items are visible inside the vehicle. Call the police on the non-emergency 101 number if you believe this is the case.
Step 4: Check if the vehicle is taxed
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) can intervene and remove a vehicle from private land.
But as with the police, there are strict conditions. Typically, the DVLA will only act if the vehicle is untaxed. You can check if a vehicle is taxed online here, by entering its registration number, and then report it directly to the DVLA if it isn’t taxed.
You can also request registered keeper details from the DVLA so you can contact the owner. However, DVLA vehicle and driver records are not available to the general public – you must demonstrate a legitimate reason for requiring the information. In this case, it may be quicker and easier to move on to the next step.
Step 5: Call on the local council
It is the responsibility of local councils to remove vehicles that have been abandoned, and this covers both public and private land. So if you suspect that a vehicle has been abandoned in your car park, and you’re unable (or unwilling) to trace the owner, you can report it to your local council and they’ll advise on the next steps. The procedure typically begins with the landowner placing a dated notice on the vehicle’s window stating that it will be taken away in seven days if it is not removed, but always contact the council in the first instance and follow their guidance.
You can report an abandoned vehicle online here. Note that the council will need to locate and give notice to the vehicle’s registered keeper, so the process may take some time to resolve.
How Creative Car Park can help
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to the problem of abandoned vehicles and similar nuisance parking issues, we have 20 years of car park management experience to lean on.
We use ANPR cameras to capture the registration number of every vehicle that enters your site at any time, day or night, which deters unauthorised access. And as an accredited operator, we are authorised to access vehicle keep information from the DVLA. We take care of everything so you can get on with the job of running your business, rather than dealing with parking hassles.
For personalised support, call 020 8038 0477 to speak to one of our advisors, or contact us online using the form below. You can also refer to our guide on nuisance parking for more information on managing private parking disputes.
