Abandoned Vehicles

The abandonment of vehicles is becoming a more common problem and blight on our environment. Last year over 300 vehicles were removed for destruction within the Malvern Hills boundary. Any person found to have abandoned a vehicle is guilty of an offence and may be subject to a fine of £2500 and/or 3 months imprisonment.

Malvern Hills District Council has a legal responsibility to remove vehicles that are abandoned within the law, that is, where all the rights of property and possession have been given up and that no-one is responsible for the vehicle. 'Vehicle' includes parts of vehicles and trailers or parts of trailers. Vehicles that are untaxed, un-roadworthy or illegally parked are not necessarily abandoned.

Upon receiving a report of an abandoned vehicle an officer will visit the vehicle, enquiries are then made via the DVLA and police to ascertain the last registered owner or if the vehicle has been reported stolen. Where necessary a notice is then placed on the vehicle giving any interested persons the opportunity to remove the vehicle. When the required time period has elapsed the vehicle is then removed and destroyed.