Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned vehicle penalties

If you abandon a vehicle on open land or on the public highway, you could face a maximum penalty of £500, three months imprisonment or both.

Notice period for destroying abandoned vehicles

If we find a vehicle that we believe is abandoned we are legally required to fix a notice to the vehicle giving the owner a chance to remove it before we take it away and destroy it. 

The notice period will depend on where the vehicle is left and its condition. Notice periods are:

• 24 hours
• seven days
• 15 days

If the vehicle is still in position when the notice has expired, we will take it away.

Dispose of unwanted vehicles

The Council can remove your unwanted vehicle for you. To use this free service:

• complete a surrender form
• send it to the Abandoned Vehicle Section, Council Offices, 37 Pembroke Road, London, W8 6PW
• include the registration form (log book)

We will send this information to the DVLA to de-register your car and the Council's contractor will collect and dispose of the vehicle.

• Surrender Form [PDF] (file size 92Kb)

If you have an unwanted vehicle that is drivable, you can take it to EMR, 106 Scrubbs Lane, NW10 6QY. This is a free service but you will need to take proof of your address with you. For more information contact EMR 020 8969 1116.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need more information contact Streetline 020 7361 3001 or email [email protected].