Abandoned Vehicles In Hinchinbrook

Abandoned vehicles are an increasing problem in our community. Some car owners abandon vehicles without caring for the consequences, creating an eyesore which can encourage similar crimes such as auto theft, and could possibly endanger lives, property and the environment. Council works to remove abandoned vehicles as quickly as possible but the community has a role to play in solving this problem.

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.

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, or
The vehicle does not display a valid registration sticker.

How are abandoned vehicles removed?
Once Council has received a report of an abandoned vehicle, a Local Laws Officer will inspect the vehicle, and if it's considered abandoned, the Council Officer will affix a Notice under the Transport Operations (Road Use and Management) Act 1995 stipulating that unless the owner removes the vehicle within 7 days, Council will remove it to a place for safe storage.

If the owner is identified, they are required to relocate the vehicle to private property and pay any parking tickets that have been issued. However, if the vehicle's owner is not located, proceedings will begin to have the vehicle removed.

The process for removing a vehicle with no ownership identification is simple. Any vehicle parked in a public area may be ticketed and towed. Council also liaises with the Queensland Police Service to determine whether or not the vehicle is of any interest regarding ongoing Police investigations. If the vehicle has been reported stolen, the Police will notify the owner and Council's action will be placed on hold.

What should I do if my vehicle is missing or stolen?
Contact the Queensland Police Service immediately. You can also contact Council to enquire whether the Council has removed the vehicle. Should this be the case, your vehicle can be released upon sending a written application to the Chief Executive Officer showing proof of ownership and/or authority to act on the owner's behalf. If your car was stolen and Council has moved it, provided you notified the Police and your insurance company, Council's enquiries will reveal this and Council will let you know your vehicle has been found.

Owners will be required to pay any expenses incurred by Council during the detention and removal of the vehicle.

What happens to unclaimed vehicles?
All unclaimed abandoned vehicles detained by Council are stored at a facility awaiting auction. The proceeds of auctions are used to pay associated costs incurred by Council to have the vehicle removed and stored (including administrative costs).

If you would like to report an abandoned vehicle, you can visit the Make a Request page at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au