Report abandoned vehicles

Waltham Forest Council are currently unable to remove untaxed vehicles from the public highway within the borough. If you wish to report an untaxed vehicle parked or in use on the public highway, please report this directly to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) using the ‘Related Links’ found on this page.

However, Waltham Forest Council are duty bound to remove vehicles deemed to be abandoned on land situated in the open air (including private property) and continue to offer this service.

Local authorities must give the landowner or occupier 15 days’ notice that they propose to remove the vehicle, however, this notice period does not apply if the vehicle is abandoned on a road or highway.

Authorities must decide if a vehicle is abandoned. This is likely if at least one of the following applies:

• Is it taxed? Check vehicle information from DVLA
• How long has it been there? Has it been stationary for a significant amount of time
• What is the condition of the vehicle? Is it run-down or unroadworthy
• Has it any broken windows, flat tyres or missing wheels
• Is there rubbish/leaves around the vehicle
• Is a number plate(s) missing?

Reports submitted to the Council will be investigated by an authorised Officer which may result in the removal of a vehicle. Abandoning a vehicle is an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, and may result in a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued or a maximum £2500 fine if convicted at court.

If your vehicle has been removed as abandoned, it may have been put in storage at our contractor's compound. If so, the following release fees apply:

• £200 for removal
• £40 per day storage (and any part day)

If your vehicle has been removed for being untaxed, it can be collected from the pound during opening hours. Call Redcorn Ltd for information on any fees due.

Please note that vehicles may be destroyed depending on their condition and/or status, and if they are not collected following any storage period.

Redcorn Ltd
Jeffreys Road
Enfield
EN3 7UA

Telephone: 0208 803 0834

Opening times: 8am to 5pm (Monday to Friday).

We provide a free disposal service for unwanted vehicles. To have your vehicle removed, write to the address below and include the following information:

• Authorisation for the council to remove your vehicle
• Details of where the vehicle is parked
• Your vehicle registration document is attached to the letter

We will collect your vehicle within 24 hours of receiving your instructions. Please make sure you have removed all personal belongings from the vehicle. Once removed, we will inform the DVLA of the date that your vehicle was disposed of.