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Abandoned Vehicle

The responsibility for the removal of abandoned vehicles, whether on private land or the public highway, lies with the local council.

Preston City Council can:

  • remove an abandoned vehicle from a road (this includes private roads and estates - if the vehicle is on private land your council will serve a 15 day notice of removal on the owner/occupier)
  • dispose of abandoned vehicles of no value (if vehicles are considered to be of some value the council will send a written notice of destruction to the owner - if at the end of this notice period the vehicle is unclaimed the council can dispose of it)
  • trace vehicle ownership and impose fines on those abandoning vehicles by working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

Reporting an abandoned vehicle

To report an abandoned vehicle complete the on-line form below or call the number shown on the right. 

Preston City Council will investigate whether the vehicle has been abandoned and carry out checks to see whether it has been stolen or involved in an accident. If the vehicle has been abandoned on a road we will then remove the vehicle.

The police also have the power to immediately remove any vehicle which is left abandoned in breach of local traffic regulation orders, or is causing an obstruction or is likely to cause a danger.

Report an abandoned vehicle


Date Updated: 05/11/09