Breckland Council is responsible for the removal of abandoned vehicles in liaison with the Police and DVLA.
A number of checks have to be carried out and, in some cases, removal may be delayed if the vehicle is the subject of an insurance claim or criminal investigation.
Breckland Council will not remove vehicles that are simply untaxed, unless the vehicle is abandoned.
In some cases, if the vehicle is untaxed but in such condition as to encourage vandalism or arson, the Council will consider removal.
If you see a vehicle you believe to be abandoned please report it online or contact us.
Abandoned Vehicles – Frequently Asked Questions
What powers does the Council have?
Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 (as amended), the Waste Collection Authority has a duty to remove vehicles that appear to be abandoned in its area. The Waste Disposal Authority (Norfolk County Council) has a duty to store and dispose of abandoned vehicles. The Council is also entitled to recover costs from any person responsible as laid down in the Removal, Storage and Disposal Vehicle Regulations.
What is a vehicle defined as?
A vehicle means any vehicle, whether or not it is in a fit state for use on roads, and includes any chassis or body, with or without wheels, appearing to have formed part of such a vehicle, and any load carried by, and anything attached to, such a vehicle.
Why was my vehicle removed?
The vehicle appeared to be abandoned for one or more of the following reasons:
- Untaxed (not a reason on its own),
- no current vehicle keeper on DVLA records,
- stationary for a significant amount of time,
- significantly damaged, run down or un-roadworthy (e.g. flat tyres, wheels removed or broken windows)
- burned out
- lacking one or more of its number plates
- containing waste
- causing an obstruction
This is not an exhaustive list and a vehicle would not have to be displaying the full list to be considered abandoned.
What should I do if I think my vehicle was not abandoned?
Contact Norfolk County Council. We may refer you to the Waste Collection Authority for your area for additional information.
Why was my vehicle disposed of?
A vehicle will be destroyed if it has no tax displayed and no registration plate or it is in a dangerous condition. A vehicle is in a dangerous condition if it displays three or more of the following conditions:
- significantly damaged,
- flat tyres,
- wheels removed
- broken windows
- burned out
- containing dangerous waste (e.g. needles, blood, faeces, munitions)
The vehicle will also be disposed of if, after 7 days, we have been unable to trace the owner, or if the statutory charges have not been paid.
Why was my vehicle stored?
A vehicle will be stored for 7 days whilst we attempt to find the owner, if it is:
- Displaying tax
- Displaying a registration plate
- Not in a dangerous condition
- Displaying a non-GB registration plate
- Suspected of being involved in crime.
How do I get my vehicle back?
Contact Norfolk County Council immediately. If we have stored the vehicle we will need to be satisfied that you are the vehicle owner before returning it. We accept proof of ownership if:
- You are registered with the DVLA as the vehicles keeper
- You are in possession of the vehicle registration certificate form V5, or the new keeper supplement.
If the vehicle is an unregistered trailer, then payment of the removal and storage costs will be accepted as proof of ownership. If the vehicle is non-GB registered then payment of the removal and storage costs by the holder of a valid non-GB passport, will be accepted as proof of ownership.
Where will my vehicle be returned to?
If the removal and storage costs are paid within 7 days, the vehicle can be returned to the owner in Norfolk. You will need to provide us with the vehicle keys. A taxed vehicle can be returned onto the public highway. If the vehicle cannot be returned onto the public highway then the Council will only return it to an agreed location with the relevant land owner’s written consent. Alternatively you may collect the vehicle yourself.
What are the costs of removal, storage and disposal based on?
The removal, storage and disposal costs are statutory charges laid down in the Removal, Storage and Disposal Vehicle Regulations. These start at £105 for removal, £12 a day for storage and £50 for disposal.
How can I pay?
You can pay by cash, cheque or credit card, by post, phone or in person at the Cashier’s office at County Hall, Norwich. The Cashier’s Office is open: Monday – Thursday 8:45am to 5:30pm and Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm. If you have any queries about payment please contact the Cashier’s Office 01603 495801.
How are vehicles disposed of?
Abandoned vehicles will be disposed of in accordance with the End-of-life Vehicles (Producer Responsibility) Regulations 2005.
How can I contact the County Council?
You can contact Norfolk County Council by:
Telephone: 01603 228889
Fax: 01603 222350
E-mail: AV@norfolk.gov.uk
Web site: www.norfolk.gov.uk
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