New system eases the way for abandoned car removal

A new system allowing the States to spearhead the removal of abandoned vehicles from Crown land means more cars can be cleared, a politician has said.

Deputy Andrew Cameron, member for environment and infrastructure, said the agreement had enabled a car's removal from Grandes Rocques Bistro Car Park - a hotspot for abandoned vehicles.

Cameron said it had historically been "challenging" to get vehicles removed from land which was not States-owned, such as the bistro car park in Castel.

A new system in which permission is sought from the Crown via Guernsey law offices and police - and a notice placed on the vehicle - has meant this was now easier, he said.

The removal follows calls in April from the public for abandoned cars to be dealt with.

In June 2026, two vehicles were removed from the States-owned Portinfer Car Park.

Cameron said removal from Crown-owned land had historically been difficult because the States does not have jurisdiction, but that a new agreement from the Crown meant they could manage land in a "similar way to public highways".

He said it was "difficult to know" why people abandon cars but said they could be taken to Guernsey Recycling.

He said three more cars on the bistro site would likely be removed in the near future.

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