Abandoned vehicles

We remove abandoned vehicles that are clearly not being used or are untaxed as they may be a danger to the public.

If the vehicle is still being used it is not abandoned, see untaxed vehicles.

Abandoned vehicles are a nuisance and a danger to the public, it is illegal to abandon vehicles and by doing so you may be prosecuted.

We treat a vehicle as abandoned if the tax disc is over two months out of date, and if at least one of the following also applies:

• the windows have been broken or doors left open.
• it's clearly not being used, for example, it has dirty windows or rubbish inside, there is a build-up of rubbish around the wheels 
• it's obviously a danger to the public.

To report an abandoned vehicle

If you want to report an abandoned vehicle please call 020 7926 9000, email streetcarecallcentre@lambeth.gov.uk or complete our online nuisance vehicle reporting form.

We need to know the vehicle colour, registration and its exact location. One of our officers will investigate the report within 24 hours of being notified of a problem.

If you wish to report an abandoned car on your estate, please contact your housing office.

How to claim your vehicle

If your vehicle has been removed by Lambeth as an abandoned vehicle, contact:
Capital Car Pound
Silwood Triangle
Landmann Way
Bermondsey
SE14 5RL
020 7237 6844

You will need to provide proof of ownership to claim the vehicle.

Fees for removed vehicles

Lifting - £150
Storage - £15 per day

Vehicles on private land

Lambeth’s authority extends only to vehicles abandoned on the highway or estate land. Where vehicles have been left on private land we will investigate the vehicle and if it is abandoned serve a 15 day notice. If the vehicle is not claimed we will removed the vehicle.

If the vehicle is not classified as abandoned we are unable to remove it.

How do I prevent my vehicle being mistaken as an abandoned vehicle in the future?

If you wish to park your vehicle on the highway you must display a valid TAX disc even if you are not using the vehicle. Alternatively arrange for your vehicle to be stored off the highway. To do this you must obtain a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).

Who removes abandoned vehicles?

Control Plus pick up abandoned vehicles on our behalf. These are then disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. Some of these are used by the London Fire Service to help train firefighters.