Abandoned Vehicles

We aim to keep the number of abandoned vehicles on our streets to a minimum and welcome co-operation from the public to help us do this. Abandoned vehicles can be an eyesore and a risk to public health when vandalised.

We are responsible for the removal of abandoned vehicles in Oxford.

How do I determine whether a vehicle is abandoned?

1. The vehicle has been parked in the same place for a long period of time.
2. The vehicle is not displaying a current tax disc and not under a SORN (Statutory Off the Road Notice) declaration

How do I determine whether a vehicle is dangerous?

Vehicles which are in a dangerous condition or which may represent a danger to the public due to broken glass, fire damage, sharp edges etc. should be reported to our City Works team and these will be dealt with as a priority.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

Vehicles can be reported in writing or by phone using the details on the right of this page. Alternatively, you can report it them by sending us a picture of the abandoned vehicle using our Photo Reporting scheme. Please see our Environmental Photo Reporting pages for further details.

The responsible officer is charged with inspecting the vehicle, posting notification and arranging for the vehicle's removal if no owner comes forward. This process can take at least 10 working days.

Abandoned vehicles are visited and assessed by a Council officer within 1 day of the report.

What do we need to know?

If you would like to report an abandoned or dangerous vehicle we will need the following information:

• the location of the vehicle
• the make and colour of the vehicle
• the registration number of the vehicle
• does it have a current tax disc
• approximately how long has it been there
• is there any damage that may cause a risk to public health

We will photograph the vehicle when we inspect it for evidence.

Abandoned vehicles which are taxed

Abandoned vehicles displaying a current tax disc should be reported to Thames Valley Police.

How do I claim my vehicle if it is not abandoned?

If your vehicle has been labelled as abandoned and you wish to claim it as yours you must contact us within 24 hours and be able to give necessary information. To avoid having your vehicle reported as abandoned please ensure that you display a current tax disc.

If your vehicle is under a SORN declaration (Statutory Off the Road Notice) you must arrange to have it stored off the public highway with the landowner's permission.

Page last reviewed 7 Oct 2008