Last updated: 11 August 2023

Next review: 11 August 2024

How to report abandoned vehicles

Waltham Forest Council will remove untaxed vehicles from the public highway within the borough on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and may also remove any vehicle abandoned on land situated in the open air (including private property).

If you think a vehicle is abandoned, check the following:

  • Is it taxed? Check vehicle information from DVLA
  • How long has it been there?
  • What is the condition of the vehicle?
  • Has it any broken windows or flat tyres?
  • Is there rubbish/leaves around the vehicle?

Reports submitted to the Council will be investigated by an authorised Officer which may result in the removal of a vehicle. Abandoning a vehicle is an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, and may result in a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued or a maximum £2500 fine if convicted at court.

My vehicle has been removed

If your vehicle has been removed as abandoned, it may have been put in storage at our contractor's compound. If so, the following release fees apply:

  • £200 for removal
  • £40 per day storage (and any part day)

If your vehicle has been removed for being untaxed, it can be collected from the pound during opening hours. Call Redcorn Ltd for information on any fees due.

Please note that vehicles may be destroyed depending on their condition and/or status, and if they are not collected following any storage period.

Redcorn Ltd
Jeffreys Road
Enfield
EN3 7UA

Telephone: 0208 803 0834

Opening times: 8am to 5pm (Monday to Friday).

Disposal service for unwanted vehicles

We provide a free disposal service for unwanted vehicles. To have your vehicle removed, write to the address below and include the following information:

  • Authorisation for the council to remove your vehicle
  • Details of where the vehicle is parked
  • Your vehicle registration document is attached to the letter

We will collect your vehicle within 24 hours of receiving your instructions. Please make sure you have removed all personal belongings from the vehicle. Once removed, we will inform the DVLA of the date that your vehicle was disposed of.

Contact

Neighbourhoods

Abandoned Vehicle Section
Town Hall Complex
Walthamstow
London
E17 4NX

Help with completing online forms

For those without computers, you can use a self-service PC in any Waltham Forest Library

Staff there can help you to log in and create a MyAccount.