Mayor urging motorists to move totalled and eyesore cars from streets

DARWIN Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has urged motorists to act in a timely fashion to remove their damaged vehicles from verges and footpaths if they become stranded

Debris and cars from two car accidents remain at the scenes, days after the incidents happened. Picture: Che Chorley

DARWIN Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has urged motorists to act in a timely fashion to remove their vehicles from verges and footpaths if they become stranded.

Mr Vatskalis made the call after a spate of accidents resulted in an increase in the number of car wrecks left on footpaths and at key intersections.

Two of the vehicles were victims of an alleged recent carjacking incident.

MORE TOP NEWS

Major event organisers fear crowds blow due to virus

Youths smash up cafe in broad daylight, terrifying onlookers

CDU event cancelled over coronavirus precautions

Both vehicles suffered significant damage and sat at the intersection of McMillans and Bagot roads.

One was removed late yesterday.

Further down McMillans Rd another car sat stranded on a traffic island at the intersection with Sabine Rd after a car accident during this week’s torrential downpour that flooded roads and caused a number of minor accidents.

Debris and cars from two car accidents remain at the scenes, days after the incidents happened. Picture: Che Chorley

Mr Vatskalis said the City of Darwin continued to maintain its vigilance on roads that it controls, but was mindful of unforeseen circumstances that might prevent the removal of some of the wrecked cars.

“We all agree that it is definitely not a good look to have car wrecks left on roads and footpaths,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“They are a hazard and an eyesore which we can do without.

“Abandoned cars are potentially dangerous because they can obstruct the view of motorists and be a distraction.

Debris and cars from two car accidents remain at the scenes, days after the incidents happened. Picture: Che Chorley

“Unless there is a reason to be left there, they need to be removed in a timely fashion.

“There are extenuating circumstances such as what we saw recently with the alleged carjacking.

“This incident has resulted in the cars remaining at the accident scene.”

Mr Vatskalis said the council had a swift seven-day turnaround policy of towing cars that had been identified as being abandoned. “The cars have to be removed from roads that (the council) has responsibility for after seven days, unless the police have asked us not to remove the vehicle,” he said.

Amazing NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

Mr Vatskalis said the onus was on car owners to do the right thing and act as quickly as they could to move their vehicles.

He said the council was making a concerted effort to improve the look of the city right across the board.