Council to auction abandoned cars

MORE than 100 vehicles will go under the hammer on Saturday when Ipswich City Council auctions a collection of abandoned cars and trailers.

The damaged vehicles were seized by the council after not being claimed by an owner.

They will be auctioned by Pickles Auctions at 10am at the Ipswich City Council depot at 180-250 Briggs Road, Raceview.

City Works Committee chairman Trevor Nardi said the “irregular” auctions had many benefits for buyers.

“It’s the first auction we’ve had in a couple of years. We usually have them when we’ve got a lot of cars to move,” Cr Nardi said.

“They’re great for anyone who wants to rebuild a car, someone who needs parts for an existing car, or even the wreckers.

“In some cases it might not take much to get the auctioned car up and running again.”

Cr Nardi said the auction would include sedans, vans, utes, station wagons and hatchbacks.

“Council has powers to seize abandoned vehicles if it is considered abandoned or has been found in a hazardous position and the owner can’t be located or won’t remove the vehicle,” he said.

“Where a vehicle is abandoned, a council officer inspects it, and if it is unregistered, puts a sticker on it advising that the owner has seven days to remove it or it will be taken to a council storage yard.

“If considered to be in a dangerous location it may be removed immediately.”

Cr Nardi said the council gave owners a chance to claim their vehicle before seizing it.

“Council advertises in the newspaper advising how a vehicle can be reclaimed, but if after 30 days the owner does not come forward it can be sold at auction like the one we are having on the weekend,” he said.

Vehicles can be viewed from 8am on the day or online at www.pickles.com.au.

Search for listings under “Damaged vehicles” for full auction terms and conditions.