Abandoned vehicles

Council manages abandoned vehicles in accordance with the Impounding Act 1993. For information on how to report an abandoned vehicle, and the process followed by Council, please read on.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

For registered vehicles parked on a public street, please contact us on 02 4934 9700 or use our Report It tool.

For unregistered vehicles parked on a public street, you should report them directly to NSW Police.

Burnt out vehicles need to be reported directly to NSW Police.

What is classified as an abandoned vehicle?

Council classifies a vehicle as abandoned when the vehicle is parked on a public street and the owner of the vehicle is unable to be identified.

How does Council deal with reports of abandoned vehicles?

A vehicle may appear abandoned while parked on a public street, however, it may not necessarily be classed as ‘abandoned’. Upon a report of an abandoned vehicle, Council will attempt to identify the owner, establish why the vehicle is parked on the street and request that the owner removes the vehicle.

If Council can establish the identity of the owner, the owner lives in the vicinity and the vehicle is legally parked, it is not ‘abandoned’ and Council can take no further action.

If the owner of a vehicle parked on a public street is unable to be identified, Council would consider the vehicle to be abandoned and can impound and remove the vehicle.

If a vehicle is unregistered and parked on a public street, this is an offence enforced by NSW Police. Council does not have the authorisation to enforce or issue a penalty notice. In this case, please report the vehicle directly to the NSW Police.

If a vehicle has been burnt out and is on a public street, Council is required to wait until police have completed any relevant investigations. Once NSW Police have advised investigations are complete, Council will attempt to contact the owner for removal. Council can then proceed to impound if the vehicle is not removed.

Where vehicles are causing a danger, Council may remove the vehicle immediately. The owner of the vehicle is liable for any costs incurred in the removal and storage of the vehicles as well as any related penalty notices.​​​​

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How do I know if a vehicle has already been reported as abandoned?

If a vehicle has already been reported to Council, you'll notice a sticker on the car. The sticker indicates that the vehicle is under investigation and you don't need to report it.

What happens when Council tows a vehicle?

Council is required by the Impounding Act 1993 to make enquiries and attempt to contact owners of abandoned vehicles prior to their removal. If your vehicle is towed, contact Council on 4934 9700.

Council will attempt to advise the owner that the vehicle has been towed and where it is located. 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.