Grantham Clean and Green: Help prevent the eyesores that are abandoned vehicles

Under the Grantham Clean and Green campaign, South Kesteven District Council is making residents aware of the steps to take if they suspect a vehicle has been abandoned on public land.

A vehicle may be abandoned if it has flat tyres, any of its wheels have been removed, has broken windows or lights or if there is litter or debris under the vehicle, suggesting it has been there for a prolonged period of time.

A vehicle parked on the street must be taxed and insured, and if it is aged three years or older it must have a valid MOT certificate. A vehicle parked on the street must be taxed and insured and if it is aged three years or older it must have a valid MOT certificate. If residents wish to report a vehicle that does not appear abandoned, but does appear to be untaxed then contact your nearest DVLA local office in writing.

Anyone can check if a vehicle is taxed or has a valid MOT by visiting www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax and entering the vehicle’s model and registration plate. If the website states no tax or MOT is in place, contact the DVLA or the council’s environmental health team by emailing ehs@southkesteven.gov.uk

SKDC will respond within five working days to assess the vehicle and if it is deemed to be abandoned they will attach a notice to it giving the owner chance to claim the vehicle. If after a period of time no owner has come forward, they will contact the DVLA to find the registered keeper and if no contact is received will arrange for it to be removed and destroyed.

Abandoned vehicles can get confused with nuisance vehicles which include those poorly parked, causing an obstruction, that are involved in residential parking disputes or broken down. These issues should always be directed to local police by calling 101.

Business manager for neighbourhoods Mark Jones said: “Abandoned vehicles can be an eyesore and we work with the DVLA to quickly identify the owner responsible. Removing abandoned vehicles has a large cost implication to us and whilst numbers of vehicles are relatively low in South Kesteven, where possible we will always pursue those found to have illegally left the vehicle with prosecution.”

If you suspect a vehicle is abandoned on land you own, check its owner details with the DVLA in order for you to contact the owner.