Abandoned car problem

[Foxglove]

I live on a single track road with a hedgerow and pavement on the opposite side of the road. Two weeks ago a car appeared and has been parked there on the pavement ever since. It has not moved. It is taxed (and the tax disc matched the vehicle), and it is locked. Delivery lorries have to pass up the road to the local school which is at the end of the road. They have to mount the pavement on my side to pass. Children have to walk in the road to pass the parked car. I am not one of those mad people who can't stand anyone to park outside their house, but this is a bit strange don't you think? I have no neighbours in the immediate vicinity to ask if they know to whom it belongs. should I ring the police? Or what should I do?

[Hgrove]

I suggest you report it as a dumped car.  The local authority will stick a sign on it.  If the owner sees it, presumably he'll move it. Otherwise, after a while the car will be removed.

[ann_h]

I would phone the police as well, in case it was stolen - I recovered my car this way.

[Lindy Loo]

Unfortunately as the car is taxed the the local authority will do nothing about as an abandoned vehicle. (Believe me, had a similar problem in my road sometime ago.)

They may however view the vehicle as causing an obstruction, particularly if the road is the only access for emergency vehicles attending the school.
Depending on the local bylaws, the car may also be illegally parked as it is on the pavement.

I think it would be an idea to speak to the police anyway as it may be a stolen vehicle. They can check who the owner is and perhaps request the removal of the vehicle for the above reasons.

Good luck.

[Didwot]

Contact the Local Authority. They have the power/duty to remove it under the Refuse Removal (Amenity) Act 1978.

[Foxglove]

thank you very much all of you - i feel empowered by your wise advice.

[l_h_kings]

Hi,

Not an answer really but...

I had problems with my car recently and ended up having to park it outside someone's house simply because it would not go more than a few miles and I needed to park it somewhere safe until I could face dealing with it, and decide what to do. I did park it  responsibley and checked on it every few days, but I did not leave it for as long as you say this vehicle has been there. Perhaps the owner is in a similar situation?

Another thought, Do you live near a train station?