Posted By Robert K Lewis The problem is that once the item has been successfully dumped on your land you are responsible for its proper disposal - Hence the LA and police do not want to know, except if a crime has been committed in the case of the latter. You cannot even drag it back onto the street as you will then committ an offence of Flytipping also!! From the safety point of view the picture is I feel much the same. The duty of care must also extend to the safety of employees, visitors, the general public and even trespassers. You have made the area more secure and this is the best solution. On site dumped fridges, freezers, beds, 3 piece suites and even the kitchen sink are often the problem along with dumped cars. Bob

Posted By Ken Taylor News Release 2002/0152: 10 April 2002 BYERS AND MEACHER LAUNCH ABANDONED CARS CRACKDOWN This press notice is issued on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government & the Regions and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Tough new measures to clamp down on abandoned cars which came into force yesterday have been welcomed by Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and Michael Meacher, Environment Minister. The measures for local authorities include: Powers to remove vehicles abandoned on the street anywhere in England after 24 hours instead of the present seven days; Increased opportunities to work with DVLA to remove unlicensed cars; Powers to dispose more quickly of unlicensed vehicles removed under DVLA powers, after 7 days rather than 35; Easier tracing and clarification of vehicle ownership through additional funding from the 'Invest to Save' programme Stephen Byers said: "Abandoned cars blight neighbourhoods, can be hazardous, especially to children, and are arson cases waiting to happen. They can also make the lives of local residents a misery. "That is why we are taking these immediate steps to address the problem. This is an important part of our safer streets agenda. Local councils will, now have the power to remove many abandoned cars after 24 hours, rather than seven days as before. "We are also encouraging local councils to work in partnership with the DVLA and other authorities, making real inroads into the bureaucratic barriers that have frustrated action in the past. "Specifically, tracing vehicle owners will now be easier as a result of a successful Invest to Save Bid, which has resulted in an investment of £2.7 million to make available computer links between the DVLA and local councils. "This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to improving the public space - making a real difference in people's lives and the places in which they live and work." The Government intends to introduce reforms to the vehicle registration system to ensure that, in future, all vehicles can be traced to the correct keeper. The principles of this were widely supported in the consultation exercise. We will discuss the details with interested parties, particularly motorists and businesses. Environment Minister Michael Meacher said: "We are determined to put an end to the abominable eyesore on roads and also in the countryside of thousands of abandoned vehicles which are sometimes not removed for months. They diminish the quality of peoples’ local environment and can act as a magnet for more serious anti-social behaviour. "The new regulations tackle the problem head-on giving councils the right to remove vehicles left abandoned anywhere in England after 24 hours. "I fully support the measures outlined by Stephen Byers to improve the accuracy of the vehicle register and to make owners take full responsibility for their vehicles. "It is simply not right that an irresponsible minority of motorists should attempt to evade their responsibilities for registering, insuring and maintaining their vehicles."

Posted By Andy Petrie I think in terms of the legal point of view your position would be as follows. As suggested earlier, remove any immediate hazards, like broken glass and leaking petrol. Then inform the council or arrange to have it moved ASAP. As long as you hvae done this, what would be considered 'reasonable' you should be ok. it would be wise to keep in regular contact with the council to moniter their progress. If you were to leave the vehicle for an extended period of time without taking any action to remove it then the position would be different and you would probably be found negligent should any incident occur, and liable to a prosecution/fine. Alternatively you could re-locate to merseyside where they have just bought a mobile car crusher for turning abandoned cars into scrap on the roadside. Not exactly practical but a good idea by merseyside council non the less.