Find out what to do if you notice 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.