Croydon Council has begun removing vehicles from public roads where registration details have been deliberately hidden or disguised.
The crackdown comes after residents raised concerns about motorists concealing their vehicles to avoid paying for parking permits, dodge Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), or store vehicles illegally while carrying out work or putting them up for sale. All of these actions are against the law.
As part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s commitment to restore pride in Croydon and make streets cleaner, safer, and healthier, vehicles without visible registration plates or vehicle identification numbers will now receive a 24-hour notice to display their identity. Failing this, the Council will remove the vehicle.
Owners must then prove ownership and pay a £280 release fee, plus a daily charge of £55. Vehicles unclaimed after 28 days will be disposed of or sold.
“Over the past year we have removed many cars from the borough’s streets that have been abandoned, we are now also focusing on those cars that have their identities deliberately hidden.
“It is not fair that some residents struggle to find parking spaces because unidentifiable cars are in their place, nor is it fair that others are getting away with not paying for parking in controlled parking areas.
“Croydon will no longer be seen as a soft touch for people to commit antisocial acts. If you do not pay your way, you should expect your car to be taken away.”
– Jason Perry, Conservative Mayor of Croydon
If a vehicle owner believes their car has been towed, they can locate it via TRACE online or by calling 0300 077 0100.
