The Most Scrapped Cars and Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle

A recent report has unveiled the make and model of the most scrapped vehicles in the UK for 2023. The data, sourced from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Autocar, indicates that 798,363 vehicles were scrapped during this period, reflecting a decrease of 60,000 compared to the previous year.

According to the FOI findings, the Ford Focus emerged as the most scrapped car of the year. The Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa followed closely, securing second and third places, respectively.

Notably, the FOI request highlights a noteworthy trend that will interest motor trade dealers. There were twice as many new cars and vans registered in the UK compared to the total number of vehicles scrapped during the same timeframe.

Further analysis of the FOI data revealed that the number of new vehicles registered surpassed the quantity of scrapped vehicles by more than double. In total, 1.9 million new cars and LCVs were purchased by drivers during the specified period.

Additionally, insights from the Mayor of London’s office disclosed that over 37,000 individuals participated in scrapping their vehicles as part of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone scrappage scheme up until October 2023.

It should be a straightforward process for those considering scrapping a car in the UK. Individuals need to contact a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) registered with the Environment Agency in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Obtain a quote and book a convenient date for scrapping.

You must provide proof of ownership and specify the reason for scrapping the vehicle, typically through the V5C Form, and retain the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade‘ section.

After completing the process, individuals will receive a ‘Certificate of Destruction’. You may need to notify your private or motor trade insurance broker.

Abandoned vehicles not only present an eyesore but can also pose safety risks. If you are uncertain about dealing with an abandoned car or unsure of the responsible party for its removal, this guide will provide some essential advice.

To report an abandoned vehicle, alert the relevant local council by using GOV.UK’s “report an abandoned vehicle” tool and enter your postcode.

The responsibility of removing abandoned vehicles from roads, including private land, lies with local councils and national park authorities. Before removal, authorities must reasonably locate the owner, providing a seven-day written notice for collection. If the owner claims the vehicle covers removal and storage expenses, the authorities must return it.

For instances where the vehicle poses a danger, such as leaking petrol or containing hazardous items, contact the police.

Attempting to remove a car through a towing firm or third party could constitute a criminal offence, so take legal advice beforehand.

Once deemed abandoned, local authorities can dispose of the vehicle, which may involve selling it at a motor trade auction or sending it to an authorised treatment facility (ATF) for destruction.

Even if an owner is found but fails to collect the vehicle after the notice period, councils can proceed with disposal. Vehicle owners can claim the money raised from selling the vehicle within a year, accounting for removal, storage, and disposal costs.

Recognising abandoned vehicles involves more than observing them in the same location for an extended period. Signs including burned bodywork, flat tyres, broken windows, missing registration plates, and poor parking alone do not indicate vehicle abandonment.

Vehicles declared with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) should not remain on public roads. Check if a vehicle has a SORN before contacting the local authority.

When disposing of your own vehicle, always consider selling it to a second-hand car dealer before scrapping it.