'It just gets forgotten': Increase in cars abandoned on Canberra roads

Abandoned cars are increasingly cluttering Canberra's roads and parking lots, prompting concern from tow truck operators who have seen a significant rise in related calls. Josh Harrison, owner of Underground Towing & Salvage, reports that requests to remove suspected abandoned vehicles have doubled in the past 12 to 18 months, now averaging about 10 per week. He believes cost-of-living pressures are a primary driver, forcing some motorists to abandon vehicles they cannot afford to tow, repair, or dispose of. Many are also forgoing comprehensive insurance, leaving them with fewer options when a vehicle breaks down or is damaged. Ally Sweeney, owner of TNA Towing, echoes this sentiment, noting that rising insurance premiums mean fewer people opt for coverage that includes towing or removal costs. As a result, vehicles are often left on roadsides, becoming eyesores and potential hazards. Sweeney observes that these abandoned cars can deteriorate, with some becoming targets for vandalism or even arson. Harrison also points to fluctuating scrap metal prices, which have dropped significantly, reducing the financial incentive for owners to sell vehicles for scrap. The issue is compounded by the time it takes to officially declare a vehicle abandoned, allowing them to remain on public property for extended periods.

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They sit there for a lot longer too, because they obviously go unnoticed.