Report Abandoned Vehicles
Abandoning a vehicle is an offence under the Impounding Act 1993. It detracts from the local amenity of the Highlands and may cause an unsafe situation or public inconvenience.
To report a vehicle you think has been abandoned (including cars, caravans and trailers), contact:
You can report Abandoned Vehicles by:
- Contacting CGRC on 1300 459 689 or mail@cgrc.nsw.gov.au
- Calling the NSW Police Assistance Line – 131 444
The Police Assistance Line operates 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Council is unable to remove an abandoned vehicle until the NSW Police have confirmed that the vehicle has not been stolen or is otherwise of interest to them.
Once the NSW Police have confirmed that the vehicle is not of interest to them and is in fact abandoned, they will notify Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
The registration status of a vehicle is not indicative that an owner has abandoned the motor vehicle and registration is not a consideration within the provisions of the Act. However, it is an offence to ‘Stand Unregistered Vehicle on Public Street’. This offence is enforced by NSW Police and Council does not have the authorisation to enforce or issue a penalty notice. Information regarding the enforcement of unregistered vehicles by the NSW Police may be obtained by contacting the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Investigation Process
The investigation to determine if a vehicle is abandoned is carried out under the Impounding Act 1993.
Once Council has been notified by NSW Police, Council’s Regulatory staff can then investigate abandoned vehicles in the Local Government Area. This includes road related areas as defined under the Road Rules 2008, and includes an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles.
If the vehicle is abandoned within an enclosed strata property, the matter should be resolved under The Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 and the Community Land Management Act 1989.
Abandoned vehicles located on private land need to be managed by the land owner and occupier of the premises.
When investigating a suspected abandoned vehicle, Council places a bright yellow sticker on the vehicle to signify that it is under Council investigation and provide the owner notice that the vehicle may be impounded if not removed.
Only in case of absolute emergency (i.e. hazard to public safety) can this process change.
Penalties & Fees
Failure to comply with the Impounding Act 1993 can result in a penalty infringement notice being imposed on a person who abandons a motor vehicle in a public place.
Fees also apply for reclaiming an impounded vehicle, including release, transport and daily storage fees.
Impounded Vehicles
To enquire as to whether your vehicle has been impounded by Council, contact:
CGRC Customer Service
Telephone: 1300 459 689
Email: mail@cgrc.nsw.gov.au
Unwanted Vehicles
If you have a vehicle that you no longer need or wish to keep and are unable to sell the vehicle, contact a scrap metal dealer. In most cases, the scrap metal dealer will collect the vehicle at no cost.
Selling a Vehicle
When you sell your vehicle, it is your responsibility to tell Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) that you are no longer the registered owner.
If you do not tell the RMS that you have sold or disposed of your vehicle, you could be held responsible for any parking or speeding fines, and any penalties and fees if the vehicle is subsequently abandoned.