A total of 23 abandoned vehicles have been towed away from council housing estates across the borough over recent months, with more to come.
This is part of a borough-wide operation by Ealing Council to clear housing estates of dumped cars, in addition to the council’s ongoing work removing abandoned cars from the borough’s streets.
Enforcement officers recently paid a visit to the Havelock estate, in Southall, where a total of 15 vehicles were removed.
In May, enforcement on the Copley estate, in Hanwell, resulted in 8 vehicles being towed away.
Before any vehicle is towed, notices are placed on vehicles, and letters are sent to registered owners. If no action is taken, 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.
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. Clearing abandoned vehicles makes it easier to walk, cycle, and park.
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: “This isn’t about catching people out. It’s about making our estates safer, cleaner, and more accessible for everyone.
“Our borough has one of the highest numbers of abandoned vehicle reports in London. This operation is a clear signal: we are listening, and we are acting.”
If you suspect a vehicle is abandoned, you can report it on the council’s website.
