Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned, untaxed or nuisance vehicles should be reported to ELVIS - the End of Life Vehicle Impound Scheme, a joint operation between Northamptonshire's Arson Task Force, Northamptonshire Police and all councils in Northamptonshire.

An abandoned vehicle is one which has not been moved or attended to for a long time. There may be visible damage to suggest a crash or signs the vehicle has been stolen, such as:

• significant damage
• it's run-down or unroadworthy, including being rusted
• missing or suspicious number plates
• broken windows, flat tyres
• has a lot of rubbish inside it
• broken or loose ignition
• broken steering column

How to report a vehicle

When you report a vehicle you need the registration number, make and model, colour, location and the condition of the vehicle.

To report an abandoned vehicle, please contact ELVIS (End of Life Vehicle Impound Scheme) on 08456 121 999, or email: Elvis.Recovery@northants.pnn.police.uk.

Criminal offence

Abandoning a vehicle on any land in the open air, or any other land forming part of a highway, is a criminal offence under Section 2 of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.

It is punishable by a maximum fine of £2,500 and/or three months in prison. The owner of an abandoned vehicle that is removed, stored and or destroyed by the local authority, is liable for the storage or disposal costs.

The local authority can, instead of prosecuting, issue a fixed penalty notice.

Last updated 24 January 2024