Abandoned Vehicles
Reporting Abandoned Cars
Abandoning a vehicle is illegal and can result in substantial fines of up to £2500, imprisonment, or both. Ensure your vehicle details are up to date with the DVLA to avoid liability for abandoned vehicles.
Local authorities have powers to deal with vehicles abandoned on any land in the open air, or on any other land forming part of a highway. Contact us to report a suspected abandoned vehicle, you should include the vehicle location and registration.
Vehicle Owners’ Obligations
Abandoned or improperly disposed of vehicles can harm the environment and pose health risks. As a vehicle owner, you must:
- Keep your vehicle ownership details up to date.
- Arrange for the safe disposal of your "End-of-Life Vehicle" (ELV) at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for safe depollution. In Shetland, the John Lawrie Metals at Rova Head, Lerwick, is the only ATF. They accept ELVs for free and provide a "Certificate of Destruction."
If your vehicle is in a safe and drivable condition, you can take it direct to:
- Address: John Lawrie Metals, Rova Head, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0PY
- Hours: 08:00-16:30, Monday to Friday
- Phone: 01595 720684
Car Recycling Schemes
Under the national car recycling schemes, your vehicle may be eligible for a free uplift to the ATF. All car manufacturers will be contracted with one of the following UK car recycling schemes:
In island and rural areas, these schemes do not work in the same way as mainland UK, where vehicle owners may receive a small amount of “scrap” income for their ELVs and a free uplift, irrespective of location. This is not the case in island areas. A best-case scenario is qualifying for a free uplift.
Owners of vehicles located within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from the ATF, must arrange delivery of the vehicle to the ATF themselves.
Owners outwith 30 miles can register their vehicle for free uplift. Under the End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations, vehicles must be ‘complete’ and free of additional waste e.g. litter or rubbish, to be eligible. They must also be parked on solid ground.
Both websites have a useful FAQ section, but to ensure a prompt response, contact the customer services teams directly on 0330 818 85 50 (CarTakeBack) or 0800 542 2002 (Reward Recycling) to determine eligibility.
To find out which scheme is applicable to your car make, check the websites including CarTakeBack.
Arranging Vehicle Disposal - Is your vehicle undriveable?
If it is not safe to drive your own car to an ATF and/or your vehicle has been deemed ineligible for a free uplift by the national recycling schemes, vehicle owners are responsible for arranging delivery to the ATF. There are many local businesses with appropriate vehicles that can provide delivery quotes for the uplift and delivery on your behalf. The Shetland Amenity Trust has stopped removing redundant vehicles.
Other Scrap Disposal
Shetland Islands Council offers a bulky uplift service for other types of scrap, including white goods. Concessionary prices are available for those on means-tested benefits.
Car Tax Refunds
If you have vehicle tax you would like to claim back on the vehicle you are scrapping, you will need to contact the DVLA for a refund. Details of how to do this can be found here.