Local authorities are under a duty (section 3(1) of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978)  to remove a vehicle which is abandoned in their area on any land in the open air or on any other land forming part of a highway. However, the duty does not apply to vehicles abandoned on private land where the costs of moving the vehicle to the nearest highway would be disproportionately high.

If the vehicle is in a dangerous condition or burnt out then the police will be called to remove it.

The maximum penalty for abandoning a vehicle is a fine of £2,500 or 3 months' imprisonment or both.

Please follow this link to complete the online form to report an abandoned vehicle