Abandoned and nuisance vehicles

What is an abandoned vehicle?

A vehicle is considered abandoned under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 when a Council officer decides it has been left without lawful authority, usually after investigation.

Common signs of an abandoned vehicle

• Untaxed (not the only factor)
• Flat tyres
• Broken windows
• Stationary for a long time
• No registered keeper
• Contains waste
• Missing number plates
• Burnt out
• Significantly damaged or unroadworthy.

If a vehicle does not meet enough of these criteria, it may be classed as a nuisance vehicle.

What is a nuisance vehicle?

A nuisance vehicle is not abandoned but may be:

• causing an obstruction
• broken down

There is no legal definition; officers use judgement based on reports and inspections.

Report a vehicle

You can report an abandoned or nuisance vehicle using the Council's My Requests system.

You will need

• Registration number
• Vehicle type, make, model, colour
• Condition
• Tax status - you can check the tax status here
• Exact location
• How long It's been there
• Signs of use
• Whether it contains waste

Report a vehicle now

How we deal with abandoned and nuisance vehicles

The Council can:

• Issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
• Clamp vehicles
• Remove vehicles without warning

Factors considered

• Tax and MOT status
• Insurance
• Damage or unroadworthy condition
• Burnt out
• Stationary for a long time
• Missing plates
• Contains rubbish
• Repairs on the road (with exemptions)
• Incorrect trader plates
• Multiple PCN’s (Penalty Charge Notices)
• SORN status

Legal powers

• Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.
• Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
• Vehicle Excise Duty Regulations 1997

Charges and fees

• FPN: £100 (or prosecution up to £20,000 if unpaid)
• Clamping/removal of untaxed vehicles
  • £100 within 24 hrs
  • £200 after 24 hrs
  • £21/day storage
  • £160 surety fee (where applicable)
• Other removals: statutory charges apply; unpaid PCNs must be cleared – check here: The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Don’t want your vehicle?

The Council will collect and dispose of your vehicle free of charge if:

• you provide proof of ownership
• you have the keys
• you sign a disclaimer

Vehicle release

To recover a vehicle from the Bradford vehicle pound, you need:

• proof of ownership (V5, insurance, sales receipt)
• two address proofs (for example, Council Tax bill, utility bill)
• photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Payment by BACS only

Vehicle collection from the Bradford vehicle pound is by appointment only. To make an appointment you can contact us via email at vehicles@bradford.gov.uk or by phone on 01274 431000.

Pound address

Site 441, Dealburn Road, Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0RG

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday: 7.30am to 3.30pm
Friday: 7.30am to 1.30pm
Closed weekends and bank holidays

Damage to vehicles and complaints

We take every effort to remove vehicles safely to our pound.

• Officers take multiple photographs before removal
• A vehicle condition report is completed.

Please note: while the vehicle is impounded, the Council takes no responsibility for its safety.

How to make a complaint

If you wish to complain about the vehicle recovery process:

• email: vehicles@bradford.gov.uk with your complaint.
• we will respond within 20 working days.

If you are not satisfied with the response, you can contact the complaints team to make a complaint.

Important: if your vehicle remains in the pound while your complaint is being processed, storage charges will still apply.