Salvaging abandoned cars

[pnch99]

What are the laws on salvaging abandoned cars? There are some cars that have been left in the snow for ages are they salvageable like boats are?

[The Riddler]

I can only see this going one way.

[louismchuge]

not again...

[KaraK]

Anyone got any popcorn?

[redstu]

If it's been left as it's stuck in the snow then you are legally entitled to tow it away. You must however take a digital photo of the situation with a packet of custard. The law allowing you to do this dates back to 1768 so few people know about it.

[Risotto]

No. You can apply to the DVLA and become the registered keeper, but registered keeper and owner aren't the same thing. At any point, the owner could come along and demand it back.

There are instances where people have done it without comeback (wasn't there a pikey who made off with an Escort Cosworth in this manner a few years back?) but essentially, whether you think such cars are abandoned or not, they don't belong to you.

[pnch99]

doogz said:

Are you serious?!

Well yes. There is a Mercedes that has been abandoned I drive past every day. It looks like the owner is not coming back or they don't need the car anyway so why should it not be salvageable? Other people could put it to good use.

[Laurel Green]

Is one of them a TVR and parked in a field?

[Risotto]

pnch99 said:

doogz said:

Are you serious?!

Well yes. There is a Mercedes that has been abandoned I drive past every day. It looks like the owner is not coming back or they don't need the car anyway so why should it not be salvageable? Other people could put it to good use.

Because the owner has paid good money for it. They're perfectly entitled to let it rot if they choose to. Much as you might like to appropriate it for your own use, it doesn't belong to you.

[paprika]

+1 etc If you agree with my post.

NOBODY FEED THIS TROLL !

[Thorburn]

Risotto said:

pnch99 said:

doogz said:

Are you serious?!

Well yes. There is a Mercedes that has been abandoned I drive past every day. It looks like the owner is not coming back or they don't need the car anyway so why should it not be salvageable? Other people could put it to good use.

Because the owner has paid good money for it. They're perfectly entitled to let it rot if they choose to. Much as you might like to appropriate it for your own use, it doesn't belong to you.

Yep, same way you wouldn't squat in a house just because the owners on holiday.

[SillyALFALove]

pnch99 said:

What are the laws on salvaging abandoned cars? There are some cars that have been left in the snow for ages are they salvageable like boats are?

Mouth breather!

[beanbag]

Perhaps this might provide a hint.....

[TankRizzo]

Got to be a wind-up.

[shouldbworking]

I went on holiday once, leaving my car parked (perfectly legally and considerately) near a friends house. Came back to find a handwritten 'Police aware' sign on it. I should imagine the police were thrilled to hear that an MOT'd, taxed, not reported stolen car had been parked on a quiet street for 4 days.

In short, the OP lives in Redhill