Clunkers costing us

Tourists behind surge in dumped cars

GHOST cars are haunting roads across the Gold Coast, with owners slinking away from rusting rides.

The Gold Coast City Council recorded a 15 per cent increase in the number of abandoned vehicles in the past 12 months, with 5556 reported dumped by roadsides – up from 4842 the year before.

Ratepayer money spent retrieving the cars will be par- tially recouped with the auction of more than 180 vehicles next week.

The bombs are being dumped because they are worth less than the registration and insurance costs, or because tourists are unable to sell the vehicles, according to police.

“You are looking at at least $1000 for registration and a roadworthy and for an older car it is not worth it,” Gold

Coast Police Inspector Bruce Kuhn said.

Gold Coast Tourism figures show the number of backpackers and international students increased by more than 7000 in the past year, possibly contributing to the corresponding jump in dumped cars.

Vehicles to be auctioned by council are mostly small, budget models, but the list does include a Saab, a Renault, a number of trailers and two boats. Last financial year the council sold 408 of the vehicles.

The council was unable to say how much it cost to deal with abandoned vehicles but it charges owners $554 to claim their cars.

Mudgeeraba councillor Glenn Tozer urged people to speak up if they saw a vehicle on the side of the road.

“We have received a number of complaints about abandoned vehicles,” he said.

“Mostly it happens on the state roads.” Less than 10 per cent of vehicles reported abandoned are impounded.