For queries about this policy, email ian.donaldson@enfield.gov.uk.
1. Introduction
1.1 This document sets out Enfield’s Council Housing (Housing and Regeneration Directorate) policy and procedure on dealing with abandoned vehicles. It aligns with the corporate policy on dealing with abandoned vehicles.
1.2 This policy uses the provisions of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 (as amended), the Removal and Disposal of Vehicles Regulations 1986 (as amended), the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
1.3 It aims to inform the public and guide staff on handling abandoned vehicles on Council Housing managed land.
1.4 Officers should liaise with Enfield Council’s appointed contractor to remove vehicles after reasonable searches for the registered owner/keeper.
2. Definitions
2.1 There is no legal definition of an ‘abandoned vehicle’. The decision rests with the local authority’s authorised officer.
2.2 The term vehicle includes:
- any vehicle requiring registration with the DVLA
- motorised mowing machines
- caravans
- trailers
- bicycles
- scooters
- electric vehicles
2.3 Characteristics of abandoned vehicles include:
- no MOT or Road Tax
- excessive weed growth or debris
- flat tyres
- smashed or damaged bodywork
- no registration plates
3. Responsibilities
3.1 The Environment and Communities department, through their Envirocrime Team, may get involved in dealing with abandoned vehicles.
3.2 Council Housing promotes direct reporting of vehicles of interest on Housing Estates:
Council Housing suspected abandoned vehicle reporting form
3.3 Information required for investigation includes:
- details of the complainant
- photographic evidence
- copies of notices and communications
4. Procedures for dealing with abandoned vehicles
4.1 When a vehicle is identified, the housing officer should assess it based on the criteria in section 2.3 and affix relevant Notice as per section 1.2.
4.2 Reports must include:
- make, model, colour, registration
- location
- condition of the vehicle
- length of time on site
4.3 Categories of vehicles:
- Category A: Burnt out, high fire risk – Immediate action required
- Category B: Intact, low fire risk – Action within two working days
5. Vehicles in enclosed spaces
5.1 Affix a Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 notice to the vehicle and allow a one-month notice period.
5.2 Undertake reasonable searches within the locality.
5.3 If unclaimed, the vehicle can be removed after the notice period.
6. Claimed vehicles
6.1 Registered keepers/owners must provide proof of ownership to claim their vehicle.
6.2 Failure to remove the vehicle may result in a Community Protection Notice and fines.