What is the definition of an abandoned vehicle?

An abandoned vehicle is a motor vehicle that has been at a location for such a length of time or is in such a condition that the Council deem it to be abandoned. 

In 2021, Milton Keynes Council received 1,890 reports of vehicles being abandoned, all of which were investigated, and only 167 (less than 10%) were actually abandoned. Every case is different, but as a rule of thumb, Milton Keynes Council will not consider taxed vehicles to be abandoned unless they are significantly damaged or of no value. You can check a vehicle’s tax status by visiting Check if a vehicle is taxed - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and entering the vehicle's registration number.

If a vehicle is being driven, it cannot be abandoned. To report a vehicle that is being driven untaxed, please call the DVLA on 0300 7906802 or report online at www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/untaxedvehicle.

If you believe that a vehicle may have been stolen or it is causing an obstruction, you should report this to the police by calling 101 or visiting www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

If you have a vehicle you no longer want, see unwanted vehicles for disposal.

How to report a vehicle as abandoned

To claim a vehicle that has been reported as abandoned (proof of purchase may be required) and for all other enquiries regarding abandoned vehicles, please use the contact details below.

Report an abandoned vehicle