15 March 2010Abandoned vehicles
Unwanted vehicles
The Council has powers to deal with abandoned vehicles on the public highway or on its own land. We can also assist landowners, such as Housing Associations in getting vehicles removed from their land, including parking areas.
If you report a vehicle as abandoned, before we take any action we have to carry out some checks with the DVLA and the Police.
Once these checks have been completed, and we think it may have been abandoned, a notice will be fixed to the vehicle informing the keeper that it may be removed and possibly destroyed. If it's in a dangerous condition or position, it can be moved 24 hours after the notice has been fixed. Under normal circumstances it usually takes seven days but sometimes it can be up to 15 days.
Any vehicle parked off road with a current SORN will not be removed by the Council even at the landowner's request.
Suspected abandoned vehicles on the Highway may be reported to the Council on 01732 227000.
Vehicles on private land, including National Trust, Woodland Trust, Moat or West Kent Housing Association parking areas, should in the first instance be reported to them.
Vehicles left in a hazardous location, for example causing a highway obstruction should be reported to the police.
Untaxed vehicles parked on the highway or being driven should be reported to the DVLA
The Council operates a Voluntary Surrender Scheme for vehicles.
For a fee of £14 we can arrange to collect and dispose of your vehicle, we will also advise the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped.
To be eligible, you must live in the Sevenoaks District Council and the vehicle must be registered to you at your address.
For further information, please telephone 01732 227000 or download and complete the Voluntary Surrender Application form (
PDF 74K file details).
