A vehicle may be considered abandoned or unattended if parked in a public place and the owner cannot be identified. The vehicle may appear discarded and have remained unattended for an extended period.

A vehicle may be unregistered and parked on a public street but not necessarily unattended. Enquiries would be made to identify the owner, establish the reasons as to why the vehicle is parked on the street and the owner can be asked to remove the vehicle.

If a vehicle is unregistered but not unattended, you may be required to contact the police. 

If your vehicle is registered and parked legally it will not be considered unattended.

If the owner does not claim the vehicle, Council can dispose of the vehicle by way of public auction or destruction. The action taken is dependent on the condition and value of the impounded vehicle. 

Council Rangers will investigate in accordance with the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 which includes:

• Inspecting the vehicle
• Checking if the vehicle is registered and not stolen
• Placing a stick on the vehicle to notify that it is under investigation
• Sending a notice to remove the vehicle to the last registered owner
• Door knocking neighbouring properties to try and identify the owner
• Regularly monitoring the vehicle.
• If the vehicle owner takes no action within the timeframe, Council will impound the vehicle.

If the vehicle owner is found, or the vehicle owner later contacts Council to claim their vehicle, they may be liable for any costs incurred in the removal and storage of the vehicle, as well as any related penalty notices.

If there is a risk to public safety or the vehicle is causing an obstruction to traffic, the vehicle may be removed immediately. The owner of the vehicle may be liable for any costs incurred in the removal and storage of the vehicle, as well as any related penalty notices. 

The last registered owner is contacted in the case of an unattended vehicle. If you sell your vehicle, it is important to remember to submit a notice of disposal. 

The Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Regulation 2022 requires 15 days’ notice to the last registered owner by way of letter.

Council will not destroy vehicles with current registration.

To report a suspected unattended vehicle, go to our 24/7 online customer portal or call our Customer Service Team on 02 4306 7900.

When reporting an unattended vehicle, it is important you include as much information as possible. Try to include:

-    the exact location of the vehicle
-    the make, model and colour of the vehicle
-    the number plate (if available)
-    the period of time that the vehicle has been at its current location

Please note that Council does not deal with abandoned vehicles on private land.