Parking & Abandoned Vehicles

Impounding of Abandoned Vehicles

Where a report has been received about or a Ranger finds a vehicle that is unlawfully parked or could be considered to be abandoned, unregistered or disused, the Ranger can impound that vehicle.

In accordance in with the Parking Local Law the Ranger will initially place a 24 hour notice on the vehicle advising the owner of their responsibilities and of the intention to impound the vehicle if it is not removed or relocated to private property.

If your vehicle has been stickered with a 24 hour notice and you require additional time to move your vehicle please call Ranger Services on 9158 9300 to discuss the matter.

Recovery of Impounded Vehicles

All vehicles that are impounded by a Ranger are taken to the Town's impound yard. Impounded vehicles may be recovered after paying the costs of their removal and impounding, plus storage & administration fees.

If you believe your vehicle has been impounded, please contact Ranger Services on 9158 9300. If it has been confirmed that the vehicle has been impounded, payment of fees are to be made before the vehicle can be collected.

You will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as registration papers for the vehicle.

Please note enclosed shoes must be worn when you are collecting a vehicle from out impound yard.

Sale of impounded Vehicles

The Town may dispose of an impounded vehicle that not been claimed within three (3) months of the impounding date. Impounded vehicles are usually sold by public auction in April & October each year.

How Impounded Vehicles are managed

The Town investigates all reports of abandoned and burnt-out vehicles to determine ownership, location, and whether the vehicle is of interest to WA Police or subject to an insurance claim. Vehicles cannot always be removed immediately, as statutory requirements under the Local Government Act 1995 must first be satisfied.

 The Town's process generally involves: 

  • Receiving a report through the Town, Snap Send Solve, or other channels.
  • Inspecting the vehicle and confirming whether it is within the Town's jurisdiction.
  • Liaising with WA Police to determine whether the vehicle is stolen, involved in an investigation, or otherwise required for evidentiary purposes.
  • Undertaking ownership enquiries and determining whether the vehicle is subject to an insurance claim.
  • Applying the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 1995, including any required statutory notices and waiting periods.
  • Referring the vehicle to the Town's towing contractor for removal and impoundment once all legislative requirements have been met.

The Town may rely on section 3.25 of the Local Government Act 1995 where a notice is required to direct an owner or occupier to remedy a matter. Section 3.40A provides the Town with authority to remove and impound a vehicle that is considered to be an abandoned vehicle wreck, subject to the notification and statutory timeframes prescribed by the Act.

Rangers may arrange for a vehicle to be removed where the relevant legislative requirements have been satisfied or where the vehicle presents an immediate traffic, safety, or public health risk. In most cases, however, statutory processes must be completed before removal can occur.

 The respective roles of the agencies involved are: 

  • The Town is responsible for investigating reports, undertaking compliance processes, issuing notices where required, and arranging removal and impoundment where authorised.
  • WA Police are responsible for determining whether a vehicle has been stolen or is required for investigative purposes.
  • Insurers may have an interest in the vehicle where a claim has been lodged and ownership or disposal matters remain unresolved.

Accordingly, while the presence of burnt-out vehicles in public areas is understandably a concern for residents, the Town must ensure all legal and procedural requirements are satisfied before a vehicle can be removed and ultimately disposed of.