Number of abandoned vehicles has soared across Norwich

A freedom of information request submitted to the authority revealed that 'ghost cars' had soared by more than 100pc in just one year. 

The figure rose from 248 in 2022 to 507 during the first nine months of this year. 

The news comes as councils across the country have warned about the impact the cost of living crisis is having on motorists.

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"The price of parts has gone up," said Alex Payne, owner of AP Vehicle Services in Mousehold Lane. 

"Some drivers will have cars that break down and they think 'sod it, I can't be bothered'. 

Alex Payne, owner of A.P. Vehicle Services (Image: Alex Payne)

"Others might buy second-hand vehicles and the mechanical issues are greater than they thought. 

"So they'll just dump it on the side of the road and think 'not my problem'."

According to government guidelines, a car is classed as abandoned if there is no registered owner, it is untaxed, stationary for more than 28 days, significantly damaged, missing a number plate or unroadworthy.

A silver Toyota Auris discovered abandoned in Jenny Lind Park in August (Image: Newsquest)

Councils are required to remove ghost cars and must try to find the owner.

The vehicle can can be disposed of immediately if it is only fit to be destroyed or has no number plates or a tax disc.

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Included in the figures for Norwich were 14 BMWs, 10 Mercedes, four Land Rovers and three Jaguars, as well as some motorbikes and trucks.

Councils are required to move ghost vehicles and must try to find the owner (Image: Newsquest)

"A big problem is that newer cars tend to be too complicated," added Mr Payne.

"So if something goes wrong people can just give up. 

"Rather than getting it repaired, they'll just leave it somewhere."

When asked for a comment on the figures, Norwich City Council declined.

An abandoned vehicle in Mile Cross (Image: Contributed)