Abandoned Vehicle

Abandoned vehicles are an issue that the Council takes seriously - as they can become a danger to the public.

The Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 states that a vehicle is abandoned only 'where it appears to a local authority that a motor vehicle in their area is abandoned without lawful authority ...' As a result, a vehicle is deemed abandoned only when the local authority is satisfied that it is abandoned.

Report an abandoned vehicle

This service does not deal with:

• Stolen vehicles, cloned vehicles or vehicles causing anti-social behaviour, these should be reported to Police Scotland on their non-emergency number - 101.
• Untaxed vehicles, these should be reported directly to the DVLA.
• Uninsured or vehicles with no MOT, these should be reported to Police Scotland on their non-emergency number - 101.
• Vehicles causing an obstruction, these should be reported to Police Scotland on their non-emergency number - 101.
• Parking issues, including pavement parking, these should be reported to the Enforcement Team.
• Abandoned bicycles, caravans and trailers, these should be reported on our website here.

How do we consider a vehicle to be abandoned

Some of the indicators that a vehicle may be abandoned are listed below, however this is not an exhaustive list:

• The vehicle structure/glass has been damaged by vandalism as opposed to damage caused by a road traffic accident
• The vehicle has unsecured doors or an open boot
• The vehicle has been partially or fully burned out
• The vehicle that has been stationary for a considerable period

It's not always clear if a vehicle has been abandoned Vehicles that are not necessarily abandoned are:

• The owner lives in the immediate area
• Untaxed, no valid MOT, no valid insurance
• The vehicle has road tax
• Nuisance or annoyance vehicles (often confused with abandoned vehicles: an abandoned vehicle is always a nuisance, but a nuisance vehicle is not always abandoned)
• Sold on the street as part of a business
• Involved in a local parking dispute
• Poorly parked / causing an obstruction
• Broken down

What you'll need to know

• Registration number (if known)
• Vehicle make, colour (if known)
• Location

You can report an abandoned vehicle using our online form.

Report an Abandoned Bicycle, Caravan and Trailer

To report an abandoned bicycle, caravan or trailer you can use our online form.

Related Content

Related Articles

• Report an Abandoned Bicycle, Caravan and Trailer
• Report a Parking Problem
• Pavement Parking Prohibitions
• Abandoned Vehicles Privacy Statement

Related Links

• Check if a vehicle is taxed