Compliance

Abandoned Vehicles

For council enforcement purposes, a vehicle is not considered abandoned simply because it has been parked for a few days, however if the vehicle poses a safety risk or immediate hazard it may be removed immediately.

If the vehicle is not a safety risk, Council will:

• Attempt to contact the last registered owner.
• Monitor the vehicle over time to confirm it has been abandoned.
• Give the owner an opportunity to remove it.
• If the owner cannot be identified or does not respond, Council then follows the legal impound and disposal process, including public notification before the vehicle can be disposed of.

Council may consider a vehicle abandoned if:

• It has remained in the same location on the road reserve for an extended period (generally one month or more).
• It appears to have been abandoned following a breakdown or crash.
• It has an expired WOF or registration and has not been moved - an expired WOF or registration alone does not mean a vehicle can be removed.

Legislation

• Council manages abandoned vehicles under the Local Government Act 1974, particularly sections 356–356B, which provide for the removal, storage and disposal of abandoned and certain unlicensed or unwarranted vehicles from roads and public places. The South Waikato District Council Public Places Bylaw 2022 may also apply where a vehicle is being stored in a public place or is causing an obstruction or safety issue.

Note: Council cannot tow or scrap a vehicle simply because it is considered unsightly or inconvenient. The legal process for impounding and disposing of an abandoned vehicle can take several months.

See Fees & Charges here.

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