Check with neighbours first, then report a suspected abandoned vehicle to your local council (Image: Getty)
Cars can end up parked in really frustrating places – blocking driveways or being left in the same awkward spot. But what’s the right step to take if you think one’s been abandoned? Police have settled the debate, and have urged people to try a few things before reporting it.
On Ask The Police, a website administered by police forces around the UK, it was asked: “A car has appeared outside my house, and it looks abandoned. What action should I take?” The experts said that before taking further action, check with your neighbours first.
The police suggest: “You should first make enquiries with your neighbours, in order to ascertain any information regarding the owner of the vehicle. If this proves unsuccessful and you believe the vehicle is abandoned, you can report the vehicle to your local council.” You can do that via gov.uk here.
What is classed as an ‘abandoned’ vehicle?
The RAC has also clarified the legal position regarding parking disputes, explaining: “A car or vehicle can be referred to as ‘abandoned’ when it has been left or discarded in a place without the owner’s consent or proper legal authorisation, typically for an extended period of time.
“These vehicles are often left in public areas, such as streets, car parks, fields, or low-traffic areas. In most cases, these cars, vans, or trucks are either inoperable or in a state of disrepair.
“The abandoned vehicle has likely not been driven for a long time, often for weeks, months, or even years – and it will sometimes have signs of flat tyres, broken windows, missing license plates, or visible damage. Abandoned vehicles can pose safety hazards, create environmental concerns, and be considered eyesores (especially in very public areas).”
Owners will be given a notice period
RAC further explains that people will have a notice period in which to act on their car. It explains: “Before authorities remove a vehicle, they must try to find the owner to give them seven days’ written notice to collect it. If the owner claims the vehicle and pays for removal and storage, the authorities must return the vehicle to them.
“If the vehicle is dumped on private land, the authorities must give the landowner 15 days’ notice that they plan to move it. They can’t charge the landowner for the job, but the authorities can refuse to remove the vehicle from land in the open air if expensive equipment is needed.”
What should I do if a car blocks my driveway?
Another frustrated homeowner asked the same police website what to do if a car is blocking their driveway. The police advised checking with neighbours first to identify the owner. Responding to the query, the police said: “If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway, you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to, so they can move it.
“In most areas, local councils have now taken on responsibility for enforcing parking provisions under what is known as Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). Under CPE, it’s an offence to park a vehicle that blocks a dropped kerb driveway. You can check if your local council has taken on CPE via the link here: GOV.UK – CPE List.
“If your council has taken on CPE, you will usually need to report vehicles that are obstructing a dropped kerb directly to them – you can contact them via the link below: GOV.UK – Find your local council.”
The guidance says you can contact the police if the council won’t take action, but officers will usually only intervene in specific circumstances. The police further explained: “If your local council hasn’t taken on CPE, you will need to contact your local police force. The police/council policy for dealing with such matters may vary between forces/councils. Some police forces may only attend if your car has been blocked in and you cannot get out.”
