Derelict cars litter city streets

Frustrated Sydney residents are angered by the number of derelict cars cluttering Sydney’s streets especially around backpacker’s lodges.

Sydney Council responded earlier this year to complaints of backpackers illegally living out of their cars and dumping vehicles by creating a number of tow-away zones around Kings Cross.

City of Sydney Director of City Operations Garry Harding made a statement during the operation.

“The City welcomes backpackers and international visitors and recognises their contribution to the character and economy of the City,” he said.

“However, we have a responsibility to ensure that they do not impact adversely on residents, businesses and the amenity of the area.”

However there are some reports the problem has not been solved.

Steve, a backpacker at Sydney’s YHA told City News the practice of living out of cars and dumping them is not unique to Kings Cross.

“I know a lot of guys who do that [live in their cars],” he said.

“It can work out to be cheaper, if you buy a car for cheaper (sic) and drive it around it can be a lot easier to just sleep in it.

He said backpackers often leave from Sydney airport and dump their cars wherever they spent their last night.

“After you just leave it somewhere and fly out. That is what Sydney has I think, people fly out from here so the cars stay.”

A police spokesperson said abandoned vehicles are primarily a council issue but police may be called by a member of the public to attend abandoned vehicles.

If this happens, police will attend and assess the vehicle, seeing if it is registered, its condition etc and pretty much determine if the vehicle is actually abandoned.

If it appears abandoned, they will make try to make enquiries with the owner. If the vehicle is in fact abandoned they will notify the council who will attend to the vehicle.