Report a street problem

Before reporting a vehicle as abandoned, please check if a vehicle is taxed and has a current MOT certificate (opens new window) - you will need the registration number of the vehicle to use this facility. If a vehicle is in good condition with a valid MOT and vehicle tax, it will not be considered as abandoned and will not be investigated.

Untaxed Vehicles

We have no power to act on untaxed or SORN vehicles parked on the highway, so please do not report these issues to us. We can only investigate these if the vehicle has significant damage, flat tyres, smashed windows or is burnt out. Untaxed and SORN vehicles should be reported directly to the DVLA.

GOV.UK gives information on how to report an untaxed vehicle (opens new window) anonymously to the DVLA.

Things to consider before reporting an abandoned vehicle to Great Yarmouth Borough Council

• we can only remove vehicles when we consider them to have been abandoned by their owner
• we will not investigate a vehicle that has either a valid MOT or is road-taxed, including statutory off road notice (SORN)
• we do not investigate anonymous complaints; please provide your contact details on our online form
• vehicles that are poorly parked or causing an obstruction should be reported to the police
• we do not investigate parking disputes between neighbours
• if the vehicle is on private land, we have no obligation to remove it and can refuse depending on circumstances and location
• we must receive written permission and proof of ownership from the landowner before we investigate a vehicle on private land
• if the land or car park is owned by a Housing Association, please report it to them first

What is an abandoned vehicle?

Vehicles will not be considered abandoned purely on the basis that it:

• is untaxed
• has no MOT
• is poorly parked
• is not owned by a resident of that road
• is awaiting recovery having broken down

There is no legal definition of an abandoned vehicle, but it will usually:

• be untaxed or SORN and have significant damage, flat tyres, smashed windows or be burnt out
• be unmoved for an extended period of time
• there is no identifiable owner or they do not live in the locality where the vehicle has been parked

We also consider the following:

• the condition, age and appearance of the vehicle
• litter, weeds etc around or under the car indicating that the vehicle has not been moved for some time
• absence of a number plate
• roadworthiness

How to report an abandoned vehicle

If after considering the above criteria you still believe the vehicle is abandoned please report it to us.

Before you begin you will need to know, where available:

• type of vehicle, for example a car or caravan
• vehicle make and model
• vehicle colour
• vehicle registration
• vehicle condition
• location of vehicle

• length of time at the current location

Report an abandoned vehicle

What happens when a vehicle is reported as abandoned?

If we consider the vehicle has been abandoned, we will:

• serve a legal seven day notice on the vehicle windscreen; we may give less notice if the vehicle is significantly damaged and unroadworthy. On private land the notice period is 15 days.

• request details of the last registered keeper from DVLA.

If the vehicle is still there once the notice period has ended, we will remove it unless:

• the vehicle owner has claimed it
• any landowner has objected

Where there is a registered keeper of a vehicle which has been removed as abandoned, they may be held liable for any collection and disposal costs incurred.