Abandoned Vehicles

Occasionally we have unwanted or wrecked vehicles abandoned in our streets. These vehicles are usually dumped and can look unsightly and may well compromise road safety.

If the vehicle belongs to a neighbour and is parked on the street, the vehicle will not be considered to be abandoned. If the vehicle is currently registered and any offences are not committed, the vehicle will not be considered abandoned.

Meaning of 'abandoned vehicle' from the Local Government Act 1999 (Section 237):

(3a) To avoid doubt, a vehicle parked or left standing on a public road in a manner that does not contravene a law regulating the parking or standing of vehicles on public roads will be taken not to have been left on a public road for the purposes of subsection (1), unless the vehicle has, in the opinion of the authorised person, been abandoned.

What to do?

• You should contact the Council on (08) 8366 4200 and report it. You should note the type of vehicle, registration number, colour and exactly where it is located.
• The Council officers will inspect the vehicle and take the appropriate action.
• The Council officers will need to check with the police as to find out whether the car has been stolen. Then the officer will need to check the Registrar of Vehicles and find out who the vehicle belongs to.
• Council officers will attempt to contact the vehicle owner to remove the vehicle prior to any action being taken. This may take a considerable amount of time as Council endeavours to locate the owner and have them remove the vehicle.
• The vehicle may be impounded and taken to a facility specified by Council. 

Please note; vehicles on private land will not be impounded.

For further information please contact the City of Burnside on (08) 8366 4200.