Abandoned Vehicles
Ngā Waka Whakarērea
A vehicle may be considered abandoned if:
- It is parked on a public roadway, and
- It has been there for an unusual length of time, and
- The owner cannot be located, and/or
- It is of derelict appearance
A vehicle is the responsibility of its last registered owner. The council will charge the last owner of an abandoned vehicle with the cost of removal and disposal.
Reporting an abandoned vehicle
You can report an abandoned vehicle by:
- Calling us on 06 370 6300
- Emailing mdc@mstn.govt.nz
- Making a report on Antenno
Please have as much of the following information available as you can:
- Where is the vehicle located?
- What is the vehicle’s make, model, colour and registration number?
- How long has the vehicle been there?
- Do you know the name of the vehicle’s owner?
Removal of Abandoned Vehicles
When the Council receives a complaint of an abandoned vehicle it will be checked and photographed. If we can identify the owner, they will be contacted either by police or by mail and given seven days to remove the vehicle unless it is:
- In a dangerous position
- Likely to be damaged by vandals
- Obstructing a public way
In these circumstances, or if the vehicle is not removed by the owner in the seven days, the vehicle will be removed and stored at the owner’s cost. If we can’t find the owner, the car will be disposed of either to the dump or to metal recyclers to recover towing costs.
Reclaiming Vehicles
A vehicle that’s been removed as abandoned won’t be returned to the owner until the cost of towage and storage has been repaid in full.
