Abandoned Vehicles

How to report an abandoned vehicle.

What is an abandoned vehicle?

A vehicle is considered abandoned when it has been parked on a public road and has been unwarranted / unregistered for 31 days or more.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

Please ring the Council.  Queenstown 03 441 0499 or Wanaka 03 443 0024.  Make sure you can provide the following information about the vehicle:

• Make (what kind of car is it?)
• Colour.
• Whether or not it is registered or warranted.
• Has it been wrecked or burnt?
• Does it still have 4 wheels?
• Is the registration plate still attached?
• The exact location of the vehicle.
• How long has the car been in that location?

What happens after I have reported an abandoned vehicle?

• All reports of abandoned vehicles are investigated by our contractor within 24 hours.
• A notice is placed on the vehicle, giving the owner 48 hours to remove it if the contractor agrees that it is potentially abandoned.
• A photo is taken of the vehicle.
• The contractor returns to the location after 48 hours to check if the vehicle is still there.
• If the vehicle remains in the location it will be removed.

What happens to the vehicle once it has been towed?

• The contractor will assess the vehicle and try to indentify the owner.
• Where appropriate, the contractor will have the owner take responsibility for the vehicle, including any costs incurred.
• Police are notified of all cars towed.