1. A vehicle looking abandoned is not enough on its own
The circumstances must be checked before movement. Section 54 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 restricts moving or immobilising motor vehicles without lawful authority.
2. The Torts Act is not a universal towing power
Section 12 of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 deals with a bailee's power of sale over certain uncollected goods. The relevant bailment conditions and Schedule 1 procedures must be satisfied before that statutory sale route can be relied upon.
3. Notices have different purposes
A notice asking a bailor to take delivery is not the same as a statutory notice of intention to sell. Where Schedule 1 Part II applies, a notice of intention to sell must contain specified information, give a reasonable opportunity to take delivery and be sent by registered post or recorded delivery.
4. Sale and disposal need a separate check
Even after a vehicle has been lawfully removed, sale or disposal should not be treated as automatic. The applicable legal basis, ownership position, notice requirements and any dispute must be considered before that stage.
5. Enforcement powers are separate
The taking-control-of-goods regime under Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 concerns recovery of sums under an enforcement power. This abandoned vehicle service is not presented as using those enforcement-agent powers unless a particular instruction genuinely arises under a separate enforcement power.