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Abandoned vehicle
If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, in the first instance call the Police on 709 6010 and ask for Wirral Control Room (this is to check whether the vehicle is a stolen vehicle or has been involved in an accident or crime). The Police will then contact the Council direct if necessary.
What is an abandoned vehicle?
A vehicle is deemed abandoned only when an authorised officer of the Council decides that it is abandoned. Many are not actually abandoned and therefore the Council do not have the power to remove them. The following should help you make a judgement:
- Are any of the tyres flat or have any of the wheels been removed?
- Is the windscreen or any of the windows broken?
- Does the vehicle contain items of waste e.g. tyres, old newspapers, general rubbish?
- Does the vehicle have a number plate?
- Has the vehicle been 'hot wired'?
What is a nuisance vehicle?
Abandoned vehicles often get confused with nuisance vehicles. An abandoned vehicle can be a nuisance, but a nuisance vehicle is not always abandoned. A nuisance vehicle could be any of the following:
- Poorly parked;
- Causing an obstruction;
- Involved in residential parking disputes;
- Broken down;
- Untaxed.
What information is needed to report an abandoned vehicle?
- Vehicle make, model and colour;
- Condition of the vehicle;
- Vehicle registration number;
- Presence (or not) of the tax disc and whether it has expired;
- How long the vehicle has been abandoned;
- Location of the vehicle.
What action will be taken by the Council?
The vehicle will be checked and investigated by an Environmental Enforcement Officer. If the vehicle is assessed to be abandoned it will be removed from the highway and the keeper contacted if known. The vehicle may be reclaimed at a cost.
What happens when a vehicle has been removed by the Council?
Once a vehicle has been removed it will be stored for a period of not less than 7 days and then destroyed. The owner of the vehicle will be liable to pay any resulting costs incurred. The owner may also be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for vehicle abandonment. The Fixed Penalty Notice is an alternative to prosecution for the offence.
To report an abandoned vehicle either call StreetScene on 606 2004, e-mail streetscene@wirral.gov.uk or click on the "Request Service" button.