Council is currently reviewing the vehicle impounding process to ensure additional criteria, above and beyond the legislation, is considered before an abandoned vehicle is impounded and/or destroyed.

In addition, Council is providing updated information for the community on its website. 

A vehicle may be considered abandoned if parked on a public street and the owner cannot be identified. The vehicle may appear discarded and have remained abandoned for an extended period.

A vehicle may be unregistered and parked on a public street but not necessarily abandoned. Enquiries would be made to identify the owner, establish the reasons as to why the vehicle is parked on the street and the owner can be asked to remove the vehicle.

If a vehicle is unregistered but not abandoned, you may be required to contact the police. 

If your vehicle is registered and parked legally it will not be considered abandoned.

If the owner does not claim the vehicle, Council can dispose of the vehicle by way of public auction or destruction. The action taken is dependent on the condition and value of the impounded vehicle. 

Council Rangers will investigate in accordance with the Impounding Act 1993 which includes:

• inspecting the vehicle
• checking if the vehicle is registered and not stolen
• placing a stick on the vehicle to notify that it is under investigation
• sending a notice to remove the vehicle to the registered owner
• door knocking neighbouring properties to try and identify the owner
• regularly monitoring the vehicle.

If the vehicle owner takes not action within in the timeframe, Council will impound the vehicle. 

If the vehicle owner is found, or the vehicle owner later contacts Council to claim their vehicle, they may be liable for any costs incurred in the removal and storage of the vehicle, as well as any related penalty notices.

If there is a risk to public safety or the vehicle is causing an obstruction to traffic, the vehicle may be removed immediately. The owner of the vehicle may be liable for any costs incurred in the removal and storage of the vehicle, as well as any related penality notices. 

The last registered owner is contacted in the case of an abandoned vehicle. If you sell your vehicle, it is important to remember to submit a notice of disposal. 

The Impounding Act 1993 requires three (3) days' notice to the registered owner by way of letter. Central Coast Council has changed its operational process to extend above and beyond what is legislatively required by providing fourteen (14) days' notice. After 21 days the vehicle may be towed. 

Council will not destroy vehicles with current registration.

To report an abandoned vehicle, you can contact Council on 02 4306 7900 or make a report online through our customer portal.

When reporting an abandoned vehicle, it is important you include as much information as possible. Try to include: 

• the exact location of the vehicle
• the make, model and colour of the vehicle
• the number plate (if available)
• the period of time that the vehicle has been at its current location
• the condition it is in.

Please note that Council does not deal with abandoned vehicles on private land.