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Abandoned Vehicles

Definition

Council aims to clear the streets of vehicles that:

  • Present a danger to residents or motorist
  • Are unregistered
  • Are unsafe
  • Are deemed to be abandoned

The Local Government Act 1989 - Schedule 11 cl. 3. 33/1995 s. 11(c) (d)., states that “Council has the power to remove any unregistered vehicle or vehicle that has been deemed abandoned.”

Procedure

When an abandoned vehicle is reported to Council, an officer will inspect the vehicle and determined if the vehicle is in fact abandoned.

If the officer suspects that the vehicle is in fact abandoned, a notice will be placed on the windscreen and a full report will be completed.

In order to ascertain the identity of the vehicle's last known owner, the registration details will be sent to VicRoads or the equivalent department in another state.

A response from Vic Roads can take 1 to 2 days, whereas a response from interstate can take as long as 3 weeks.

The matter will be closed if: The vehicle is registered, has not been stolen, is not posing a danger and is legally parked.

If the vehicle is unregistered, or considered abandoned, then a registered letter will be forwarded to the last known registered owner requesting that they contact Council or remove the vehicle within 7 days.

If no contact has been made, an officer will conduct a second inspection. If the vehicle is still there it will be towed and auctioned to the general public within 28 days.

For further information please contact Local Laws Department on 9278 4444.

 

 

Created: 30 November 2005
Last Update: 1 July 2008