Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned vehicles are an increasing problem in our community. They are an unsightly and dangerous eyesore that can encourage vandalism and arson. Council needs your help in finding out about these vehicles so that they can be removed as soon as possible.

  • A vehicle is deemed 'abandoned' if:

    • the vehicle has been in the same location for an unusual length of time
    • the vehicle has a derelict appearance and appears inoperable (no tyres, etc.)
    • the owner cannot be located
    • the vehicle does not display valid registration plates.

     

    Any motorised vehicle, trailer, caravan, horse-float or similar that is parked on any roadway or public place under the control of Council can be removed if abandoned. Any vehicle parked in a public place without valid license plates can be towed.

  • If you notice an abandoned vehicle, please report it by contacting Council's Customer Service Center on 1300 007 662. You will be asked for details of the vehicle's location, along with a description of the vehicle such as the colour, registration number, make/model, condition, and how long the vehicle has been at its current location.

  • Once Council receives a report of an abandoned vehicle, a Council Officer will inspect the vehicle. If it's considered abandoned, the Council Officer will affix a notice under the Transport Operations (Road Use and Management) Act 1995. The notice says that unless the owner removes the vehicle within a set time period, Council will remove it.
    At the end of that set time period, a further inspection will take place. If the vehicle is at the same location, it will be removed.

  • Should the vehicle hold some form of identification such as number plates, Council will conduct a registration search in an attempt to determine the last known owner of the vehicle. Where possible, after the vehicle has been removed from a place of safe storage, the last known registered owner is contacted by letter.

  • If your vehicle is missing, contact the Queensland Police Service immediately to report it, and find out if they have found the vehicle.


    Council liaises with the Queensland Police Service to determine whether or not an abandoned vehicle has been reported as stolen. If the vehicle has been reported as  stolen, the Police will notify the owner. If your car was stolen and Council have moved it, provided you notified the Police and your insurance company, Council's enquiries will reveal this.

  • You can also contact Council to enquire whether Council has removed the vehicle. Should this be the case, your vehicle can be released upon sending a written application to Council's Chief Executive Officer showing proof of ownership and/or authority to act on the owner's behalf. Owners will be required to pay any expenses incurred by Council during the removal and storage of the vehicle. Costs will be assessed on application. In addition to towing costs, storage and administration charges will apply.

  • All unclaimed abandoned vehicles detained by Council are stored and then auctioned. The proceeds of these auctions are used to pay associated costs incurred by Council to have the vehicle removed and stored.

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