Ealing Council has increased its crackdown to remove abandoned and untaxed vehicles from council housing estates in the borough, following a recent towing operation in Southall.
Enforcement officers returned to the Golf Links estate, in Southall, this month – where 21 vehicles were towed away, taking the total to 82 in the last 6 months.
This is part of a borough-wide operation by the council to rid housing estates of dumped cars, in addition to the council’s ongoing work removing abandoned cars from the borough’s streets.
Since May, the council has removed 13 from Copley Close estate in Hanwell, 35 from Havelock estate in Southall, 21 from Golf Links, and an additional 13 from other estates. More operations like this are being planned.
Before any vehicle is towed from housing estates, notices are placed on vehicles, and letters are sent to registered owners. If they do not take the appropriate action, the vehicles are removed.
Is it abandoned?
The rules for parking on a housing estate are the same as parking on the public highway. Vehicles must have valid tax, MOT, insurance, and be in good working order.
Commercial garages are not allowed to operate on housing estates – and cars that are declared off-road (statutory off-road notice vehicles) are not allowed to be parked there either.
Once removed, vehicles can be collected from the pound, but the owner would be liable for towing and storage fees. Anything not claimed will be scrapped. These vehicles are cleaned of rubbish and fluids, broken down and sold for parts, or the metal is recycled.
Not just housing estates
The council isn’t just removing vehicles from housing estates. It is also investigating reported abandoned vehicles around the borough and removing vehicles that are not roadworthy and properly registered.
In the last 6 months, more than 250 abandoned vehicles left on the borough’s streets have been removed by the council.
A cleaner, safer borough
If you have an unwanted vehicle, there are better options than leaving it to rust. You can donate your car to charity or arrange for a towing company to remove it responsibly.
The benefits go beyond aesthetics. Getting rid of abandoned vehicles means that residents will find it easier to walk, cycle, and park their cars in the borough.
Coming to an estate near you
The council’s ongoing campaign will see officers continuing to work their way around all of the borough’s housing estates. Residents are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and properly registered.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Our priority is clear: to make council estates and highways safer, cleaner, and more accessible for residents.
“We’re acting on reports from residents and businesses, alongside our own investigations. This latest operation reinforces our commitment. We are listening, and we are taking decisive action.”
If you suspect a vehicle is abandoned, you can report it on the council’s website.
