Since 2023, the actions of the Municipal Police of Vila Nova de Famalicão have led to the removal of over 600 vehicles left on public roads. The number of cases initiated by municipal authorities has been increasing annually throughout the municipality. An abandoned vehicle is defined as one that remains stationary in the same public road location for 30 uninterrupted days.
In 2023, 144 cases triggered intervention by the Municipal Police. In 2024, 161 cases were recorded, a number that rose to 180 in 2025. By 2026, the growth trend continues, with 193 cases registered by early September, resulting in the notification of 181 owners.
The Councillor for Security and Enforcement, Hélder Fernandes, emphasizes the objective of complying with the law and keeping public spaces free for everyone's use. He warns that abandoned cars pose an obstacle to road safety and pedestrian circulation, as well as environmental and sanitation concerns.
The resolution process involves on-site verification, photographic recording, and consultation of the vehicle registration database to contact the owner. "We first try to identify and reach the owner," explains the Commander of the Municipal Police, António Magalhães, noting that changes of address or relocation abroad can complicate contact.
When direct contact is not possible, a sticker is placed on the vehicle with a deadline of 10 working days for voluntary removal. After this period, the Municipal Police proceed with towing the vehicle to the municipal yard, initiating the formal process for the vehicle to become municipal property, following the necessary bureaucratic procedures.
Once notifications are complete and there are no legal impediments, the vehicles are sent to public auction, with sales exclusively for scrapping. The Commander of the Municipal Police recommends that owners consult certified companies for end-of-life vehicle disposal, which handle the process at no cost.
Citizens can report abandoned vehicle cases through the B-Smart platform, via email policiamunicipal@famalicao.pt, or by phone at 252 320 100. Occurrences are also flagged by parish councils, the PSP, and the GNR, or detected during patrols.
