Abandoned vehicles

If a vehicle has been left in the same place for more than 4 weeks (28 days), or is badly damaged, you can report it to us.

When you make a report, it helps if you can tell us:

where the vehicle is parked
the registration number
the make and colour
whether it is taxed
its condition, for example if it is burnt out or wrecked.

If you can't obtain any of the above details we shall send someone out to investigate the vehicle.

Report an abandoned vehicle

What happens after you make a report

We aim to inspect reported vehicles within 5 working days. However, response times can sometimes be longer because of the number of reports we receive. In some cases, it may take more than 10 working days for us to respond.

We will investigate the vehicle and carry out checks to decide whether it meets the criteria for removal. The time this takes depends on the condition of the vehicle and the enquiries needed to establish ownership and whether the vehicle can legally be removed.

If we decide the vehicle has been abandoned, it will be moved to secure storage. We will then write to the registered owner and give them 7 days to reclaim it.

If the vehicle is in a dangerous condition, we may arrange for it to be removed immediately.

Pay a vehicle release fee

If your vehicle has been removed and placed into storage, you must pay the relevant release fees before it can be returned to you.

To arrange payment and the release of your vehicle, call 0300 123 5021 and ask for the Community Wardens team.

Lines are open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

An adviser will confirm the charges that apply to your vehicle and help you

Charges for removing and storing vehicles

The current charges are:

£105 vehicle removal fee
£12 per day storage fee
£55 destruction fee

Vehicles that are not reclaimed will normally be stored for 7 days before being destroyed.

If the owner of a vehicle is identified, charges may remain payable for up to 12 months after the vehicle has been removed

Enforcement and legislation

Cheshire East Council uses powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 to deal with abandoned and nuisance vehicles.

Under this legislation, the council can issue:

a £200 fixed penalty notice for abandoning a vehicle on the highway
a £100 fixed penalty notice for selling 2 or more vehicles on the highway
immediate vehicle removal without prior notice

The last registered keeper of a vehicle may be responsible for any costs associated with its removal, storage or disposal.

Contact community wardens

Phone: 0300 123 5021

Ask for the Community Wardens team.