An abandoned or dumped vehicle is a car, motorbike, or any other vehicle left unattended in a public or private place for an extended period, often in poor condition or without proper registration. These vehicles can become a public nuisance, creating safety hazards, attracting vandalism, or even becoming environmental risks.
In New South Wales (NSW), local councils and authorities have procedures to handle these vehicles to keep communities clean and safe.
Statistics on Abandoned Vehicles in NSW
Abandoned vehicles are a growing issue in NSW. According to reports from various councils: The City of Sydney council receives hundreds of complaints about abandoned cars every year. NSW councils collectively receive thousands of reports annually concerning dumped or abandoned vehicles. The majority of abandoned vehicles are older models with expired registrations, often in poor condition. Many of these vehicles are eventually removed and either scrapped or auctioned.
Abandoned Vehicles at Airports, Streets and Other Public Spaces
People often dump their vehicles on streets, open car parks, airports, and shopping malls. These vehicles appear abandoned for various reasons, but determining the true intent behind their abandonment can be challenging.
In a recent survey in Sydney, authorities found 98 abandoned or deserted vehicles at the airport alone. Many of these vehicles are believed to have been left behind by tourists. Some of the cars found included Porsche, Mercedes, BMW 5 Series, Hyundai, Holden, and Toyota models.
Where Are Vehicles Dumped in NSW and Why?
There are several hotspots where abandoned vehicles are commonly found:
Industrial Areas – Many vehicles are left in less-patrolled regions where businesses operate, especially overnight.
Residential Streets – Some car owners leave their unwanted vehicles in streets with free parking, assuming they will go unnoticed.
Public Car Parks – Cars are abandoned in shopping centre car parks, train station parking lots, and other public spaces.
Bushland or Remote Roads – Some people dump cars in less-traveled areas to avoid fines or detection.
Highway Shoulders – Vehicles that break down are sometimes left on highways and forgotten.
Dumped-Vehicle
Why Do People Dump Their Cars Or Vehicles?
There are several reasons why individuals abandon vehicles:
- Cost of Repairs – Owners may not afford repairs and choose to abandon the vehicle instead.
- Unregistered or Unroadworthy Vehicles – Cars that can’t pass inspections or re-registration might be dumped.
- Financial Struggles – Some people abandon vehicles when they cannot afford insurance, registration, or repairs.
- Stolen Vehicles – Criminals might steal a vehicle, use it for illegal activities, and then dump it.
- Evading Fees – Avoiding disposal fees at scrap yards leads some owners to illegally dump their cars.
How to Prevent Abandoned Vehicles in Your Area
To minimize the issue of abandoned vehicles:
- Increase Awareness – Inform people about proper car disposal methods.
- Enforce Stricter Penalties – Heavier fines for illegal dumping can deter offenders.
- Provide Affordable Car Disposal Options – Encourage scrap yards and removal services to offer convenient options.
- Improve Surveillance – Installing CCTV in high-risk areas can reduce dumping.
How to Report an Abandoned or Dumped Vehicle in NSW
If you come across an abandoned vehicle, reporting it is straightforward:
1. Gather Vehicle Details
Before reporting, collect the following details:
- Make, model, and colour of the vehicle.
- Registration number (if visible).
- Condition of the vehicle (damaged, missing parts, flat tyres, etc.).
- Location of the vehicle (street address or nearest landmark).
- Time and date you noticed the vehicle.
2. Report to the Local Council
In NSW, local councils handle most cases of abandoned vehicles. You can report a vehicle via:
- The council’s website (many councils have online reporting forms).
- Calling the council’s customer service line.
- Using the NSW Government’s Report Illegal Dumping online tool.
3. Police Involvement (If Required)
If the vehicle is stolen, report it to NSW Police (Call 131 444).
If the car is blocking traffic or creating immediate danger, contact emergency services (000).
What Happens After Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle?
Once reported, the council follows these steps:
- Investigation – An officer will inspect the vehicle to determine if it is abandoned.
- Notification – If the vehicle is deemed abandoned, the owner (if identifiable) is given a notice to remove it.
- Removal by the Council – If the owner does not remove the vehicle within a set period (often 7-14 days), the council will arrange for it to be towed.
- Storage or Disposal – The vehicle is stored for a limited period and can be reclaimed by the owner after paying towing/storage fees.
- Auction or Scrapping – If unclaimed, the car may be auctioned or sent to a recycling facility.
What Happens to Abandoned Vehicles After Removal?
Once a vehicle is removed, several outcomes are possible:
- Reclaimed by the owner (if they pay associated fines and fees).
- Auctioned – Some councils auction vehicles to recover costs.
- Recycled or Scrapped – Unroadworthy vehicles are sent to scrap yards for metal recycling.
- Destroyed – Some vehicles may be crushed and permanently disposed of.
New Rules for Abandoned Vehicles in NSW:
The NSW Government has brought in new rules under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 to crack down on abandoned vehicles left on public land. These rules are designed to keep our streets safer and less cluttered—and they put the responsibility squarely on the vehicle owner to do the right thing.
So, what does this mean for you?
If you leave a vehicle—like a car, boat trailer, caravan or any other trailer—unattended in a public space for too long, the local council can step in. Fines start at $660 for leaving a vehicle unattended, and if it goes to court, the penalties could be much higher. They may issue a notice if the vehicle:
- Is creating a safety hazard
- Is blocking access or causing an obstruction
- Has simply been sitting in the same spot for too long
- Once notified, you’ll need to take action within the following timeframes:
- Immediately – if the vehicle is causing a safety risk or obstruction
- Within 3 days – if the vehicle is unregistered, or not roadworthy and left in the same spot for more than 15 days
- Within 15 days – if the vehicle is registered but has been left in one spot for more than 28 days
What happens if you don’t move it?
If you don’t take action within the required time, the council has the power to:
- Move your vehicle to a safer nearby location (if it’s a safety issue)
- Take possession of the vehicle and move it to a storage facility
- Fine you : Fines start at $660
Final Thoughts
Abandoned and dumped vehicles are a serious issue in NSW, creating safety hazards and environmental concerns. If you see one, report it to your local council or police as soon as possible. By doing so, you help keep your community cleaner and safer while ensuring that proper processes are followed.
If you need cheap towing in Sydney for vehicle removal, consider contacting a licensed towing service to legally dispose of the vehicle and avoid fines.