Suspected Abandoned, Untaxed or Uninsured Vehicles

Quick Reporting Guide: Suspected Abandoned, Untaxed or Uninsured Vehicles

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• 17 June 2026
  

   

  Suspected Abandoned, Untaxed or Uninsured Vehicles

  Vehicles that appear abandoned, untaxed or uninsured can cause concern within our communities. They may be unsightly, take up valuable parking space, and in some cases be linked to wider issues such as anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.

  Your reports help us and our partner agencies take the appropriate action.

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  What to Look Out For

  A vehicle may be considered abandoned if it shows signs such as:

  • Flat tyres or significant damage
  • Build-up of dirt or debris
  • Being left in the same place for a long period
  • Missing number plates

  You may also notice concerns around vehicles that appear to be:

  • Untaxed
  • Uninsured
  • Being used in a suspicious or anti-social manner

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  How to Report

  Abandoned Vehicles

  If a vehicle appears abandoned, this is usually dealt with by your local council. You can report it directly to them.

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  Untaxed Vehicles

  You can report untaxed vehicles to the DVLA online.

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  Uninsured Vehicles or Suspicious Activity

  If you believe a vehicle is being used without insurance, or is linked to suspicious behaviour:

  • 999 – if it is happening now or poses an immediate risk
  • 101 – for non-emergency reports

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  Information That Helps Us

  When making a report, please include as much detail as possible:

  • Vehicle registration number
  • Make, model and colour
  • Exact location
  • How long it has been there
  • Any suspicious activity linked to it

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  Stay Safe

  Please do not approach anyone or put yourself at risk while gathering information.

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  Working Together

  By reporting concerns, you help us:

  • Keep our communities safe and tidy
  • Tackle anti-social behaviour
  • Identify and deal with illegal vehicle use

  Your information makes a difference – thank you for supporting your local policing team.

• 20 May 2026
  

  How to Report

  • 999 – Crime in progress / immediate danger
  • 101 – Non‑emergency concerns or suspicious vehicles
  • Online: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report
  • NPT Contact: Message the Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team via the A&S Police website for non‑urgent advice

  Your reports help us target patrols, checks, and enforcement.

• 30 April 2026
  

  Councils and national park authorities (authorities) must remove abandoned vehicles from:

  • land in the open air (including private land)
  • roads (including private roads)

  When removing a vehicle from land in the open air, authorities:

  • cannot charge the landowner occupier
  • must give the landowner or occupier 15 days’ notice that they propose to remove the vehicle
  • cannot remove the vehicle if the landowner or occupier objects during the notice period

  The 15 day notice period does not apply if the vehicle is abandoned on a road or highway.

  Authorities do not have to remove an abandoned vehicle from land in the open air if the cost of moving it to the nearest highway is high (for example, special machinery is needed).

  Authorities cannot be held liable for damage resulting from abandoned vehicles.

• 8 April 2026
  

  We would like to thank members of the public for reporting concerns regarding untaxed vehicles. These reports have enabled Neighbourhood Officers to take positive and proportionate action, including speaking with registered keepers and, in some cases, lawfully seizing vehicles where appropriate. Public support and intelligence continue to play a vital role in helping us keep our communities safe.