Abandoned vehicles can have a
significant impact on our local environment. They devalue the area,
promote deterioration and can lead to anti-social behaviour. For
this reason, abandoning a vehicle is a serious criminal offence,
punishable with imprisonment or penalty fines.
The Council has a
responsibility to investigate all reports of abandoned
vehicles. In 2007/8 we investigated 239 reports of abandoned
vehicles, and subsequently removed 71 from a variety of
locations across the district. Following receipt of a report,
the Council aim to investigate and remove the vehicle
within two working days. Where possible we will also pass on
all the costs to the person responsible for abandoning the
vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abandoned Vehicles
How do I tell whether a vehicle is abandoned?
You can use the following criteria to help determine whether a
vehicle is abandoned:
- Has it been there for some time?
- Is the windscreen broken?
- Is there mould inside or outside?
- Are the tyres flat?
- Is the vehicle unlocked?
- Is the vehicle untaxed?
If the answer to more than one of the criteria is yes, you may
be looking at an abandoned vehicle. Please contact us with details
of the vehicle make, model, registration, colour and
location.
Where can I find further information?
You can
find further information by clicking
here,
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
If you would
like to report an abandoned vehicle in your area, please
either:
- Telephone us on 01638 719284;
- Contact us online by clicking
here;
- Send an email to
abandonedvehicles@forest-heath.gov.uk including
full vehicle details; or
- Write to us at Forest Heath District Council, Environmental
Services, College Heath Road, Mildenhall, IP28 7EY including full
vehicle details
Otherwise please follow this link to
onesuffolk, which will help you report the
vehicle to the correct
authority.