Abandoned cars are unsightly and can be dangerous as well as being an annoyance.
Torfaen County Borough Council can only deal with cars which are abandoned on the public highway or on land which is in the ownership of the Authority.
You can normally tell if a vehicle has been abandoned by looking for the following signs:
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It may not have moved for a long time (weeks or months)
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It is not taxed *
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It may have been vandalised (broken windows, flat tyres or other parts missing)
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It may be neglected and in poor condition generally It may be burnt out
* Vehicles not displaying a valid tax disc is not a definite sign that it is abandoned.
Any or all of these signs may apply to abandoned vehicles. The more that apply, the more likely it is that the vehicle is abandoned.
If Torfaen CBC are notified of an abandoned vehicle, a 7 day notice will be placed on it informing the owner that it will be removed if it is not claimed. If it has not been claimed within 7 days, Torfaen CBC will will carry out a DVLA check and will write a letter to the last know registered keeper, giving them 7 days in which to contact the authority before the car is removed. If no notification is received in relation to the vehicle the vehicle will be collected by the Council’s Contractor and it will be stored by a local contractor for 21 days to allow time for the owner to reclaim it on payment of a fee.
If the vehicle is claimed within the 7 day notice period, Torfaen CBC will not take any further action, but may forward details to the DVLA or the Police for them to take further action.
If the vehicle is deemed to be dangerous, e.g. it has smashed windows or has been burnt-out, Torfaen CBC will arrange for it to be collected within 24 hours. It will be stored by a local contractor to allow time for the owner to reclaim it, on payment of a fee.
In 07/08, approximately 343 calls were received in relation to abandoned cars and cars for sale.
In its aim to tackle abandoned vehicles, Torfaen County Borough Council works in partnership with the Police and Fire Service.