Abandoned vehicles | Sevenoaks District Council
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Abandoned vehicles

We have the powers to deal with abandoned vehicles on the public highway or on our land.

Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, councils have a legal duty to remove abandoned vehicles from land in the open air and from roads (including private roads).


What counts as an abandoned vehicle

A vehicle may be considered abandoned when the owner is unknown and one or more of the following apply:

  • The vehicle tax has expired by at least one month
  • It is damaged, burned out, or has missing body panels
  • A number plate is missing

Other common signs include:

  • Flat tyres or missing wheels
  • Broken lights or mirrors
  • Rusty brake discs
  • Build‑up of dirt, mould, or waste inside
  • The vehicle has not moved for a long period


What is not considered abandoned

  • Poor or inconsiderate parking
  • A vehicle with no MOT
  • A vehicle that is untaxed but otherwise roadworthy
  • A vehicle that is legally declared SORN and kept off the highway
     

What we do when a vehicle Is reported

Before acting, we carry out checks with the DVLA and Kent Police.

If we believe the vehicle is abandoned:

  1. A notice is fixed to the vehicle
  2. We write to the registered keeper
  3. The owner is given time to respond

If the vehicle is dangerous, it may be removed 24 hours after the notice is issued.

If the vehicle is not moved by the expiry date on the notice, we instruct our contractor to remove it. This usually takes up to seven days but may take up to 15 days.

If the owner comes forward at any time, the vehicle cannot be removed and the vehicle will not be registered again for 12 months from the claimed date unless the vehicle is deemed as dangerous.
 

What happens after removal

Depending on the condition of the vehicle:

  • It may be stored for a short period
  • It may be disposed of immediately if it is only fit for destruction
  • The owner may be charged for removal, storage, and disposal costs
  • We may issue a fixed penalty notice or pursue prosecution for abandoning a vehicle
     

How to report an abandoned vehicle

To report a suspected abandoned vehicle, you will need to provide:

  • Your name, address, and contact number
  • Vehicle registration (if visible)
  • Make, model, and colour
  • Exact location
  • How long it has been there
  • Details of any damage or signs of abandonment
  • Photos (if possible)

Report an abandoned vehicle
 

Vehicles on private land

Vehicles on private land - such as the National Trust, Woodland Trust, or West Kent Housing Association sites - should be reported to the landowner.

We can remove abandoned vehicles from private land, but:

  • The landowner must give written permission
  • A 15‑day notice may be required
  • We cannot charge the landowner for removal
  • Vehicles declared SORN may not be removable even with permission
     

Untaxed or SORN vehicles on the highway

Untaxed or SORN vehicles parked on the public highway should be reported to the DVLA, which has the power to remove them.
 

Nuisance or obstructive vehicles

Vehicles causing an obstruction or posing a danger should be reported to Kent Police, who can remove them immediately.
 

Access to land

Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, councils may enter land at reasonable times to investigate or remove abandoned vehicles.