Unattended / Dumped / Abandoned motor vehicles

Rangers investigate and remove abandoned motor vehicles under the Impounding Act 1993. Abandoned or unattended motor vehicles are the source of many calls from local residents.

These vehicles may utilise on-street parking spaces and become a traffic hazard.

In addition, motor vehicles that are stripped or burnt out on Council Reserves and within our bushland areas have an adverse effect on environmentally sensitive areas and may impede the use of Council's facilities.

Reporting unattended / abandoned motor vehicles

If you believe that a vehicle has been abandoned or dumped in your neighbourhood, you can:

What you need to know?

  • You'll need to provide the exact location, the make, model and colour of the vehicle, and the number plate (if available)
  • A car may be classified as abandoned if the vehicle is left unattended and the owner does not reside in the vicinity of the location of the dumped vehicle
  • If you are aware who the owner is and they reside in the area, and the car is parked legally, then Council cannot take any action to remove the vehicle.

What happens next?

Our Rangers/Compliance Team will check whether the vehicle is registered and/or stolen and attempt to contact the last known owner to move the vehicle.

Council does not have the power to take action to remove a vehicle immediately, unless it is a danger.