Report an abandoned vehicle

Service information

Almost all vehicles reported to us are untaxed rather than abandoned. The DVLA have sole responsibility to deal with untaxed vehicles. Please report it directly to the DVLA.

Before you start

Where is the vehicle located?

If located on private land we can't help, it's the responsibility of the land owner. Please contact them directly. The Council can only investigate vehicles on the Council's roads/ car parks.

Is the vehicle declared SORN (statutory off road notice) but on the Council's road/ car park.

Check if the vehicle is taxed. Report it to the DVLA. It's not an abandoned vehicle.

Is the vehicle taxed?

In most cases the Council has no authority to remove the vehicle. If untaxed report it to the DVLA 

Does the vehicle have a valid MOT (required after 3 years old)

Check if the vehicle is taxed.. We can't help, the vehicle is not abandoned.

If the vehicle is causing an obstruction or is suspicious in any way then report to your local police station or dial Police Scotland 101.

When a vehicle may not be abandoned

• Causing a nuisance or annoyance
• Sold on the street as part of a business
• Involved in a local parking dispute
• Poorly parked / obstructing access or a driveway
• Untaxed or no valid MOT certificate
• Broken down or possibly been recently involved in a road traffic collision
• Old/ historical vehicle.

If you still believe the vehicle to be abandoned

Contact environmentalhealth@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call Customer First 0141 577 3001 providing as much detail as you can. We need the exact location, make, model and registration number. Photographic evidence to identify the vehicle and its location would be beneficial. We also use what3words.

What happens next?

The Environmental Health Service will start enquiries, however this can take a few weeks as we need to demonstrate that there is 'no ownership' of the vehicle and that it is abandoned. We then place a legal notice on the vehicle, photograph this and once the timescale on the notice has expired we will arrange for the vehicle to be removed. If we confirm ownership, we will make contact with the rightful owner to discuss further.