Abandoned vehicles present a range of safety issues including being a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The process through which a vehicle can be removed is legally precise where specific actions are needed to contact the owner before removal is possible. SCH and SMBC work jointly on this.
Regarding service targets, a vehicle that is an immediate hazard will be removed but usually SMBC do not consider a vehicle is abandoned unless it has not moved within the last 14 days.
The process of investigation can take some weeks after this, depending on whether the responsible person can be identified and the reason given as to why the vehicle may have not moved. SCH staff will be involved in the initial assessments and the issuing of the earlier notices. SMBC are responsible for contacting the owner, the legal notices and ordering the removal of a vehicle.
If you see a vehicle you think may be abandoned please report it by filling in this online form.
Please give us as much detail as you can about the abandoned vehicle such as:
- exact location of the vehicle
- vehicle registration number
- make, model and colour of the vehicle
- name and address of the vehicle’s owner if you know it
- length of the time the vehicle has been in its current location
- your own contact details.