Abandoned cars hit the streets

IF you’ve been driving around Bendigo recently and noticed a large number of abandoned cars on the side of the road, then you are not alone.

The City of Greater Bendigo investigated 198 dumped vehicle reports last calendar year, more than one car every two days.

One example of the nearly 200 abandoned cars in the region is a gold Suzuki in Bendigo East.

Sitting just off the road on Heywood Street, the SUV was stripped of its tires with police tape hanging from the driver’s side mirror.

It has been there for months before only being removed this week.

Of those 198 abandoned reports vehicle reports, many were referred to other agencies for investigation.

Arterial roads, major roads, highways and freeways fall under the jurisdiction of Vic Roads, while state forests and tracks within state forest boundaries are the responsibility of Parks Victoria.

That agency’s area chief ranger, Karen Doyle, said Bendigo’s parks and forests were hotspots for abandoned cars that were often a result of vehicle theft.

“Stolen and abandoned vehicles are unfortunately a common and major concern across well-loved parks and reserves like Bendigo Regional Park and Greater Bendigo National Park,” she said.

“Parks Victoria has removed 40 vehicles across these sites in the past 12 months, working closely with local enforcement and emergency authorities, council and vehicle owners to arrange safe clean-up.”

But it’s not just the number of abandoned cars that is concerning to Ms Doyle, she said the way cars are often set on fire when abandoned is causing a risk to the people.

“It can be distressing to park visitors to see the impact of torched or burning vehicles in these valued community locations,” she said.

“They can pose a significant risk to neighbouring properties and townships during hot and dry seasons.”

If you spot an abandoned car and notice police tape tied to the side mirror, that doesn’t mean the car will soon be collected.

The tape signifies that police have looked at the vehicle and is an indicator to other officers who pass by that it has already been checked.

The vehicle may still need to be reported to the responsible organisation for collection.