Abandoned shopping trolleys, vehicles and other unattended property are to spend less time on the streets and in public spaces following new rules strengthening the impounding powers of NSW Councils.
According to the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman the new powers, included in the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 which came into effect yesterday (1 November), hold owners open to account.
Mrs Tuckerman said the Act placed more responsibility on individuals and businesses to manage their property better within reasonable timeframes or face much stronger penalties.
“Unattended property such as abandoned shopping trolleys is a big issue for Councils, costing local government $17 million a year to deal with,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“The new rules put the onus back on owners where it belongs,” she said.
She said the new laws would save public money and ensure public spaces were safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for our communities
Mrs Tuckerman said the rules applied to boat trailers, unregistered cars, trailers and caravans, share bikes and personal watercraft.
“There will be a six-month grace period where warnings will be issued for unattended property in most cases, rather than fines,” the Minister said.
“We’ve also listened to retailer concerns and introduced more flexibility around requirements to collect abandoned trolleys notified after-hours.”
Mrs Tuckerman said the Act included special powers for authorities to deal with stock animals wandering on public roads, which would commence at a later date.
