Dumped cars a City burden

Dumped vehicles are tying up resources, with 90 cars abandoned within the City of Albany this financial year.

Twenty-two were impounded by the City. Last financial year, 85 vehicles were abandoned, 16 of which were impounded.

The City is left with the responsibility of towing and impounding dumped vehicles.

City rangers team leader Colin Hyde said the City sought to regain costs where possible.

“The City seeks to recoup those costs from the owner to collect their vehicle from the impound yard, or if a vehicle remains uncollected, arrangements are made to sell the vehicles to recoup costs,” he said.

Abandoned cars are often the result of crashes, breakdowns and crimes such as vehicle theft.

“When the City becomes aware of or receives a report of an abandoned vehicle, rangers attend and record the registration details to follow up the owner of the vehicle and ask them to make arrangements for the vehicle to be moved,” Mr Hyde said.

“We work with vehicle owners to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, which is reflected in the low percentage of vehicles which end up being impounded.

“If the vehicle remains stationary for 24 hours or more after the ranger attends, the City has the power to impound the vehicle.”