By Cam Lucadou-Wells
KEEN to ditch any comparisons to “The Bronx”, Casey Council will lobby to tow away stolen registered vehicles just a week after they’re dumped on roadsides and nature strips.
Mayor Sam Aziz, who raised the proposal at a 16 August meeting, said under state law registered owners had at least 60 days to collect their misappropriated cars before the council could tow the vehicles away.
It was a “ridiculous and unnecessary” waiting period to remove often unsightly burnt-out vehicles, he said.
Cr Aziz said the council should be able to act sooner because it didn’t want its neighbourhoods to “look like The Bronx”.
“We care very much about the appearance of our neighbourhoods”.
Under the push, the council will request Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins to amend the law so “registered but illegally parked” vehicles could be removed after seven days.
Councillor Louise Berkelmans asked the meeting if an owner could get an extension if they had difficulties removing their cars within a week.
A council officer replied that if an owner rang the council, “we will accommodate that if possible”.
Cr Aziz responded that “we certainly don’t want extensions of time”.
