We can only deal with
vehicles reported within the Suffolk Coastal area. We will
investigate based on the information provided and an
immediate decision will be made as to whether the
vehicle has been abandoned and if it should be destroyed.
The procedure that we have to follow is different for vehicles
in good condition to that if they are not, but each report is
investigated and appropriate action taken. A vehicle that is in
good condition will be kept for a maximum of 7 days after removal,
to allow the owner time to recover it, after that period it will be
disposed of.
We have to be satisfied that, in our opinion,
the vehicle is abandoned. If the vehicle is taxed and in good
condition on the highway, or is on land with the landowner's
consent, we would usually not take any action under abandoned
vehicle legislation. Also, if the cost of moving a vehicle to
a carriageway is unreasonably high, we are not required to remove
it.
When we need to involve other agencies such as the police,
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and credit companies, we
do. Responses from those agencies may affect the action that we
take.
It is an offence to use, park, or keep an untaxed motor vehicle
on the highway, but this law is enforced by the DVLA, whose
staff regularly take action in response to information received
about untaxed vehicles. You can
report untaxed vehicles (new window) on the
Directgov website.
The action we take
The location and the condition of the vehicle generally dictates
the action taken. Vehicles in poor condition may be destroyed
immediately and any outstanding vehicle tax is reclaimed by the
Council to offset our costs. Vehicles in good condition are stored
for 7 days and the owner is contacted to reclaim it in that time.
The owner is liable to pay fees for removal, and storage of the
vehicle if it is reclaimed, and also for its destruction if not
reclaimed and may also face a £200 fixed penalty fine.
Vehicles on a road
If we are satisfied that the vehicle is abandoned on a 'road',
which includes privately owned roads and tracks, we will arrange
for its immediate removal and if necessary, destruction.
Vehicles abandoned on private land where the occupier requests
it to be removed
Where the occupier of land requests us to remove the vehicle, we
will arrange to do so immediately.
Vehicles abandoned on private land where the occupier has not
requested it to be removed
If we are satisfied that the vehicle is abandoned on private
land, we will fix a 15 day notice onto the vehicle. If the land
occupier objects to the vehicle being removed, we will take no
further action. If the land occupier confirms that there is no
objection to the removal of the vehicle, it may be removed before
the expiry of the 15 day notice. On the expiry of the notice we
will arrange for the removal of the vehicle.
To reclaim a vehicle, the owner will need to prove ownership and
produce documents such as the vehicle registration certificate, MOT
certificate, insurance certificate and other proof of their
identity (eg driver's licence). They will have to pay for the
removal and storage of the vehicle before it is released. If the
vehicle has been destroyed, the owner may be entitled to any
residual value once the costs for removal, storage and destruction
have been deducted.