Under the Local Government Act 1989, Schedule 11, the City of Greater Bendigo is authorised to investigate, move, tow and impound unregistered or abandoned vehicles located on City-managed land and roads.
What is considered an abandoned vehicle?
A vehicle may be deemed abandoned if:
- It has not moved for greater than 2 months
- It is not located near the owner’s property or garaged address
What is considered an unregistered vehicle?
It is unregistered due to expiry, cancellation or for other reasons which have resulted in the registration with Vic Roads no longer being current
Doesn’t have a current unregistered vehicle permit.
Impoundment and Owner Responsibilities
If your vehicle is impounded:
- You have 14 days from the date of impoundment to contact the City of Greater Bendigo to arrange its release and pay all applicable fees.
- If fees are not paid and the vehicle reclaimed within 14 days, Council may sell, destroy, or dispose of the vehicle (including any items in, on, or attached to it). Council will take reasonable steps to notify the owner before this occurs.
- Unregistered vehicles cannot be driven from the impound location unless towing is arranged or a VicRoads permit is obtained.
- Neither the City of Greater Bendigo nor any person acquiring the vehicle from Council will be liable to the owner or any other party for actions taken under these provisions.
Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle
To report an abandoned or unregistered vehicle:
- Please call the City of Greater Bendigo on 1300 002 642.
- For vehicles on highways or major arterial roads, contact VicRoads on 13 11 70, as these roads are not managed by the City of Greater Bendigo.
- For vehicles in state and national parks, Contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63