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Original poster

Help! Abandoned vehicle on my property

66 replies

Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 10:18

Someone has left their motorbike on my drive and I am drawing a blank in my various attempts to get rid of it. The police aren't interested as it's not stolen, the local council aren't interested as it's private property, a scrap company can't take it without authorisation, a towing company can't take it without authorisation. Etc.

Has anyone experienced this and managed to resolve it effectively?

OP posts:
Chewbecca · 01/12/2025 13:24

This is what social media was invented for!

CointreauVersial · 01/12/2025 13:28

I would push it back onto the roadway, but leave it somewhere safely/legally parked i.e. not "dumped", or you could find yourself liable.

Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 13:32

Chewbecca · 01/12/2025 13:24

This is what social media was invented for!

Indeed - I got bogged down with contacting the police, the local council, the DVLA, etc. No response so far.

OP posts:
Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 13:34

CointreauVersial · 01/12/2025 13:28

I would push it back onto the roadway, but leave it somewhere safely/legally parked i.e. not "dumped", or you could find yourself liable.

If it's not a stupid question, what's the difference between parked on the road and dumped on the road (obviously I wouldn't leave it in the middle of the road or obstructing anyone's drive)? There's nowhere anywhere nearby where it won't be liable for a fine without a permit.

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 01/12/2025 13:39

Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 13:34

If it's not a stupid question, what's the difference between parked on the road and dumped on the road (obviously I wouldn't leave it in the middle of the road or obstructing anyone's drive)? There's nowhere anywhere nearby where it won't be liable for a fine without a permit.

Show quote history

Well that's their tough shit.

Just pull in the left grip, that'll be the clutch, and wheel it off your property to the street and walk away. If it's been left in gear, that'll allow you to move it.

If you're worried about dropping it (some can be very very heavy, especially if you're not used to where the balance point is), get one person either side and hold the handlebars and the saddle / a grip point at the rear each.

I'm a biker and would do the same thing. Cheeky fucker.

If you're not sure, post a photo of the bike and we can advise on any other issues. Check the wheels aren't locked with a chain or a brake lock first, as that could cause serious damage if you try to wheel it off and it locks up. Then you would be liable for the damage.

Mincepietastic · 01/12/2025 13:40

I wouldn't post anything on SM if you're planning to move it into the road, personally.

Jan24680 · 01/12/2025 13:41

I am guessing it's not causing an obstruction. It's a larger bike? So probably on the side stand. It should be easy enough to move unless the steering lock on. Easier with a video. I used to ride large bikes and had no upper body strength

Jan24680 · 01/12/2025 13:42

I am guessing it's not causing an obstruction. It's a larger bike? So probably on the side stand. It should be easy enough to move unless the steering lock on. Easier with a video. I used to ride large bikes and had no upper body strength

YorkshireGoldDrinker · 01/12/2025 13:42

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 14:03

PinkFootstool · 01/12/2025 13:39

Well that's their tough shit.

Just pull in the left grip, that'll be the clutch, and wheel it off your property to the street and walk away. If it's been left in gear, that'll allow you to move it.

If you're worried about dropping it (some can be very very heavy, especially if you're not used to where the balance point is), get one person either side and hold the handlebars and the saddle / a grip point at the rear each.

I'm a biker and would do the same thing. Cheeky fucker.

If you're not sure, post a photo of the bike and we can advise on any other issues. Check the wheels aren't locked with a chain or a brake lock first, as that could cause serious damage if you try to wheel it off and it locks up. Then you would be liable for the damage.

Show quote history

I'm not going to attempt it on my own. It's massive.

There is a lock on the back wheel. Which, now I come to think about it, suggests it's not been stolen - or at least that someone is planning to return for it at some point.

OP posts:
Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 14:04

Jan24680 · 01/12/2025 13:42

I am guessing it's not causing an obstruction. It's a larger bike? So probably on the side stand. It should be easy enough to move unless the steering lock on. Easier with a video. I used to ride large bikes and had no upper body strength

Only obstructing anyone who needs to park on my drive.

Thanks for the video.

OP posts:
Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 14:04

Mincepietastic · 01/12/2025 13:40

I wouldn't post anything on SM if you're planning to move it into the road, personally.

Hmm. Good point.

OP posts:
Welshmonster · 01/12/2025 14:11

Check websites like just park and see if anyone locally has put their driveway up for rental. The owner may have parked in wrong spot.

it’s not your responsibility if they get fined as if you need the space for your car then it’s tough on them. Get some mates to move it off and that’s the end of it.

CalmShaker · 01/12/2025 14:16

Order yourself some leathers, get a helmet and feel the throb between your legs. It could be the hobby you've always dreamed of

RedRiverShore5 · 01/12/2025 14:17

Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 13:34

If it's not a stupid question, what's the difference between parked on the road and dumped on the road (obviously I wouldn't leave it in the middle of the road or obstructing anyone's drive)? There's nowhere anywhere nearby where it won't be liable for a fine without a permit.

Show quote history

Is it likely to be someone gone on holiday or visiting someone who had parked it to avoid getting a fine and can't get a permit.

Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 14:25

RedRiverShore5 · 01/12/2025 14:17

Is it likely to be someone gone on holiday or visiting someone who had parked it to avoid getting a fine and can't get a permit.

Show quote history

It's certainly possible. However no-one in the building seems to know anything about it.

OP posts:
RedRiverShore5 · 01/12/2025 14:28

Do you live near an airport or train station, sometimes CFs park where they want to avoid parking costs, it may not be someone local

Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 14:34

RedRiverShore5 · 01/12/2025 14:28

Do you live near an airport or train station, sometimes CFs park where they want to avoid parking costs, it may not be someone local

I'm in London. Train/tube stations (and CFs) all over the place.

OP posts:
propercoppercoffeepot · 01/12/2025 14:35

So nobody can help? Ridiculous. No wonder there are so many CFs about!
Could you somehow block it in with something? Just enough so the owner would need to contact you to get it back.

Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 14:35

CalmShaker · 01/12/2025 14:16

Order yourself some leathers, get a helmet and feel the throb between your legs. It could be the hobby you've always dreamed of

Um, might need the key first.

OP posts:
Catwalking · 01/12/2025 15:06

Yamahahaha, in your title you say the m’bike is on your drive.
Does this mean that any damage is your responsibility?
If so perhaps you need to discuss with your insurance co.?

RedRiverShore5 · 01/12/2025 15:16

It will be most likely some CF that's gone away on holiday and used the drive as a free parking space instead of booking a spot and paying.

BakedBeing · 01/12/2025 15:18

Sorry if someone has already said this but have you checked that your driveway isn’t on one of the pay for a parking spot sites? Seeing as you’re in London.

Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 16:03

Catwalking · 01/12/2025 15:06

Yamahahaha, in your title you say the m’bike is on your drive.
Does this mean that any damage is your responsibility?
If so perhaps you need to discuss with your insurance co.?

Which insurance company?

OP posts:
Original poster
Yamahahaha · 01/12/2025 16:05

BakedBeing · 01/12/2025 15:18

Sorry if someone has already said this but have you checked that your driveway isn’t on one of the pay for a parking spot sites? Seeing as you’re in London.

It is, but this person hasn't booked it.

OP posts: