Over 20,000 UK Vehicles Left Abandoned In 2021

The motor trade industry will be interested to learn from recent council figures recorded in 2021; more than 20,000 used vehicles were left totally abandoned and had to be removed and disposed of throughout the UK.

Official numbers could be even higher, but that still equates to 55 vehicles a day on average, a staggering number to all those working in business like a breakers yard. Over 11,000 of those vehicles were abandoned on public land in England alone according to statistics from Official Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Rivervale Leasing requested the data from the councils and have now compiled a list of the top UK locations and which type of vehicle was left to rust.

Data released show top 5 motor trade industry manufacturer makes and models reported to be abandoned were the Ford Transit van (610), Vauxhall Astra (376), Ford Focus (363), Vauxhall Corsa (301), and Volkswagen Golf (293). Whilst the top 5 UK locations included Bradford (3,561), Milton Keynes (1,869), Barnet (1,846), Sheffield (1,746) and Croydon (1,548).

Government guidelines class vehicle as abandoned if there is no registered owner, it is untaxed or remained stationary for a more than 28 days. Other reasons are if the vehicles are significantly damaged, missing number plates, or consider unroadworthy by a motor trade professional like a garage mechanic.

If you own a vehicle that you no longer require it, you can avoid paying tax if you complete a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). The paperwork is used to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you are registering the vehicle as off the road.

Once this has been carried out the vehicle cannot be driven on a public road and won’t be declared as abandoned. You should also notify your local private or motor trade insurance broker if this is the case.

If you have noticed an abandoned vehicle, contact the local council to advise them, it is only necessary to contact the police about it if you feel the circumstances seem suspicious. Do not remove a car using a third party as you could be committing an offence; if you are unsure consider seeking legal advice first.