Abandoned Vehicles

There is no legal definition of an abandoned vehicle, but a vehicle may be considered abandoned if it is:  

• Untaxed with no current keeper on DVLA records
• Significantly damaged, run-down or unroadworthy
• Burned out
• Lacking one or more of it’s number plates
• Contains waste
• Stationary for a significant amount of time
• A vehicle never to be returned to

Just because a vehicle is in poor condition or not taxed does not mean it is abandoned and enquiries may need to be made to establish if it has been abandoned before it can be removed.  

You can check if a vehicle is taxed at vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk

If the vehicle has valid tax status then please do not report it as abandoned. 

If a vehicle is un-taxed you should report this to the DVLA.

If a vehicle is on private land we must serve a 15-day notice on the landowner. When the 15 days have expired, the vehicle will then be treated as if on the highway.

If a vehicle is causing an obstruction on the highway, or is thought to be stolen or involved in a crime, please report it to Gwent Police on 01633 838111.

Reporting an abandoned vehicle

To report an abandoned vehicle please provide the following:

• Location of the vehicle
• How long it has been there
• Make and colour of the vehicle
• Registration number
• Confirmation the vehicle is untaxed 
• General condition of the vehicle

Report an abandoned vehicle