Reporting an abandoned vehicle
If you wish to report a vehicle which appears to have been abandoned, contact Customer Services on (01325) 388799 or email the following details to customerservices@darlington.gov.uk
- The make, type and colour of the vehicle and the registration number (if available)
- The location and how long you think the vehicle has been there
- The condition of the vehicle (e.g. broken windows, flat tyres)
- Whether or not there is a tax disc and, if so the expiry date
If the vehicle has a 'Police Aware' sticker on it, but it has been there for a long time please contact us.
Any vehicle which is causing an obstruction, whether abandoned or not should be reported to the Police on 0845 6060 365.
What to do if your car has been moved
If your car has been moved you should contact Customer Services on (01325) 388799 and the Police on 0845 6060 365 to see if it has been picked up. You can get the vehicle back provided it has not already been destroyed, but only if you pay the Council's charges and provide evidence that you are the owner.
The Council works closely with the Police to check if abandoned vehicles have been stolen, but if your stolen vehicle has been removed by us then the charges will normally be paid by your insurance company provided you have notified the Police and the insurance company of the theft.
Untaxed vehicles
Untaxed vehicles are dealt with by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you want to report an untaxed vehicle you will need to contact the DVLA on tel 0800 032 5202. For further information see the DVLA Website.
Abandoned vehicles are an eyesore and can attract vandalism and arson. The Council is committed to removing them from the streets as quickly as possible. In 2004/5 617 vehicles were collected. In 2003/4 there were 1349.
It is against the law to abandon a vehicle and you could be fined up to £2500 or face 3 months in prison (Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978). Take your unwanted vehicle to a vehicle breakers yard or visit the Cartakeback website for more information.
Always inform the DVLA when you sell a vehicle