High-cost abandoned cars

Ratepayers slugged to pay for removal of vehicles

GREATER Hobart ratepayers have been slugged more than $20,000 for the cost of removing upwards of 114 abandoned and illegally parked vehicles in the last financial year.

Councils have often been required to step in when the community members responsible for moving their cars have failed to do so.

A Clarence City Council spokesman said 71 vehicles were towed over the last financial year at a cost of $209 per vehicle and an extra $198 for 30 days of storage.

“If not claimed after that 30 days, vehicles are sold,” he said.

Glenorchy City Council reported 18 cars towed in the same period, racking up $2083.63.

In addition to the financial burden, abandoned cars have also gained attention from passers-by as blots on the landscape.

Members of the Kingston and Channel Residents Facebook

group have recently speculated as to whether a crumpled blue hatchback behind the northbound Southern Outlet railing towards Kingston was a real wreck or just a road safety publicity stunt.

Tasmania Police revealed the car was damaged more than a week ago when a drinkdriver rolled it.

Police said it was his responsibility to remove the vehicle, but it remained beside the busy highway.

Locals have also been baffled that a partially damaged white car has sat by the roadside for about a week in Scarborough Ave, Blackmans Bay.

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said the council received nearly 200 complaints of abandoned or illegally parked cars in the past year.

“This includes cars that are partially parked on footpaths, which obstruct people in wheelchairs or those with prams,” he said.

“We have removed 16 vehicles where we have not been able to identify the owner and after confirmation from Tasmania Police that the vehicle has been abandoned.

“The total cost of removing these was $3575, which is a cost to ratepayers.

“I strongly encourage people to do the right thing and think of others when parking and to dispose of your cars responsibly.”

A Hobart City Council spokesman said just nine cars had been removed by the council’s towing contractor since January. He said the terms of the contract ensured cars were towed on a “costneutral basis”.