FAQ: What to Do If You Encounter an Abandoned Vehicle
Q: How can I determine if a vehicle is abandoned?
A: Checking for Signs of Abandonment
- Before reporting a vehicle as abandoned, check for the following signs:
- Are any of the tyres flat or have any of the wheels been removed?
- Is there litter or a lot of leaves under the vehicle, indicating that it hasn’t moved for a while?
- Is the windscreen or any of the windows broken?
- Does the vehicle have number plates?
- Does the vehicle contain rubbish such as tyres or old newspapers?
- Have any parts, like the bumper, seats, or radio, been removed or damaged?
Q: How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
To report an abandoned vehicle, use South Lanarkshire Council’s Abandoned Vehicle Report Form. You will be asked for the following information:
- Registration number, colour, make, and model of the vehicle
- Location of the vehicle (street and town)
- Description of the vehicle’s condition
Q: What happens after I report an abandoned vehicle?
- After you report an abandoned vehicle, the Council will check with the police to determine the owner of the car and whether it’s been stolen or involved in a crime. This process may take some time. However, if the vehicle is in a dangerous condition or blocking roads/driveways, it will be removed promptly. Please note that only the police have the authority to immediately tow any vehicle left in a position causing danger or obstruction.
Q: What happens to abandoned vehicles after they are reported?
- Abandoned vehicles are taken to a vehicle pound. There is a charge for the return of a vehicle.
Q: Contact Information for Reporting Abandoned Vehicles
- To report an abandoned vehicle, use the Abandoned Vehicle Report Form.
By reporting abandoned vehicles promptly and providing accurate information, you help ensure that abandoned vehicles are addressed efficiently, maintaining the safety and cleanliness of our community.