Abandoned vehicles
If you see a vehicle you think may be abandoned, please
report it to you local council.
Frequently asked questions
What is an abandoned vehicle?
- It is a criminal offence to abandon a vehicle.
- It is the responsibility of the local councils to establish
whether a vehicle is abandoned in their area. If they deem a
vehicle as abandoned, they have a statutory duty to remove it.
- There is no legal definition of abandonment and local
authorities can use their own discretion when making decisions on
abandonment. Visit your local council’s
website for more information.
- Local councils are not legally obliged to affix a notice to the
vehicle as this has been known to lead to anti-social behaviour in
the past.
- A vehicle does not have to be on the road or council land to be
abandoned and it may be taxed or have a Statutory Off Road
Notification (SORN.)
- Vehicles broken down or causing an obstruction can also be
removed by the police.
What happens once a vehicle has been deemed ‘abandoned’?
- Once a local authority identifies a vehicle as abandoned and
authorises its removal, it comes into the custody of the Disposal
Authority, in this case Kent County Council.
- Once in Kent County Council’s possession, they inform the
Police and endeavour to trace the registered keeper as per the DVLA
records.
- Kent County Council will give the registered keeper seven days
notice to claim the vehicle and pay the statutory fees before they
authorise for it’s disposal.
- Kent County Council can destroy a vehicle without notice if
they believe it to be in such a condition that it ought to be
destroyed (for example, if it is a safety hazard or burnt
out).
What are the statutory fees?
- Statutory fees are set out in the removal, storage and disposal
of vehicles (prescribed sums and charges) regulations 2008 and
depend on the size, location and condition of the vehicle at the
time of removal.
- The statutory removal fee starts at £150 plus a daily storage
charge, which for most cars is £20. However, this fee differs
for motor bikes and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
- If the registered keeper comes forward to claim the vehicle,
they must pay the statutory fees to collect it.
- Kent County Council can only release vehicles with proof of
ownership.
If you wish Kent County Council to dispose of the vehicle on
your behalf:
- Once in Kent County Council’s possession, they can dispose of
vehicles at the request of the registered keeper.
- Kent County Council needs written permission from the
registered keeper.
- There is a £75 statutory disposal fee for cars.
- This fee differs for motor bikes and vehicles over 3.5
tonnes.
- This charge is also applicable if people wish to take personal
items from their vehicles, prior to disposal.
Please note: Kent County Council are not able
to allow people to take any item that forms part of the actual
vehicle.
Vehicle disposal
Those vehicles authorised by Kent County Council for disposal
are disposed of at Authorised Treatment Facilities according to the
End of Life Vehicle Directive.
- The DVLA and Police are notified of all disposals.
What is Operation Cubit?
- Vehicles in Kent and Medway without tax are dealt with
through Operation Cubit.
What is the vehicle surrender scheme?