Does Anyone Know My Rights In This Matter?

[david88]

I park my boat on the street outside my house in leichhardt council area. Approximately 2 weeks ago i recieved an orange abandoned vehicle notice on my boat. I called up leichhardt council and although i did not recieve any written confirmation, a council officer ensured me that my boat would not get towed and that she would notify the ranger that it was not abandoned.

On friday my boat and the other trailer on my street with the nitice were removed.

I have not called council yet as i wanted to find out what my rights in this matter were before i did. I have the name of the council officer who gassured me it would not be towed. it should be noted though that i do not keep my rego plates on the boat as they are attached to my removable light bar.

Im a full time student and not looking forward to paying for the tow or even to replace the lock that they would have cut off my trailer.

any help would be greatly appreciated raiders.

cheers, Dave.

[olitay]

Is the trailer registered?

[andrew399]

My advice to you would be to keep your rego plates on the trailer in future to avoid this happening. Im not a solicitor but i am a final year law student so dont take what i say as gospel as i am unfamiliar with council regulations etc. However, my opinion would be to call the council and try to talk to the person that you spoke to before and let them know what has happened, you may find that they can rectify the whole situation, and if i were you i would demand a new lock, you are well within your rights to do so.

If not, speak to someone higher up and let them know you made contact with the other person and that you were assured you would not have your boat towed away etc. Finally if this doesnt work threaten legal action, your trailer was registered and you made contact with the council and were told you didnt have to do anything. In my opinion you will not have to pay any towing fees and you could also demand a new lock.

[Berleyguts]

My advice to you would be to keep your rego plates on the trailer in future to avoid this happening. Im not a solicitor but i am a final year law student so dont take what i say as gospel as i am unfamiliar with council regulations etc. However, my opinion would be to call the council and try to talk to the person that you spoke to before and let them know what has happened, you may find that they can rectify the whole situation, and if i were you i would demand a new lock, you are well within your rights to do so.

If not, speak to someone higher up and let them know you made contact with the other person and that you were assured you would not have your boat towed away etc. Finally if this doesnt work threaten legal action, your trailer was registered and you made contact with the council and were told you didnt have to do anything. In my opinion you will not have to pay any towing fees and you could also demand a new lock.

Or contact the local councillor for you ward. Get them on teh case.

Baz

[deek]

I would put it all in writing.I used to work at a council and we advised the public to put everyting in writing. That way you have a record of your communication to Council.

Cheers

Deek

[david88]

thanks for the replys guys.

spoke to the ranger who authorised the towing of my boat. he accepted it was a stuff up and was extremely apologetic. he said he would clear all towing/impoundment fees and infringements but that i would have to pick it up myself. after a discussion i made it clear that i wanted it brought back to my house and the lock replaced and he was understanding but will have to get back to me after he speaks to his superiors.

Turned out well and thank you to leichhardt council for being professional and responsible in the wake of a mistake.

[Guest rzep]

That is a good outcome for you

[Fester]

Hi, glad all worked out well, but you should have your rego plate displayed, but also from safety point, make sure your trailer has reflectors on rear, as without your light board on, someone runs into it you could be liable, just not worth the risk of paying for someone elses negligence.

[Geoff-]

lucky!! I am pretty sure that you have to display rego plates at all times while on the road. Any vehicle without rego plates is "abandoned" and will be towed. Despite what the officer agreed to if you're outside the law expect someone else to come along and tow it. If parked on a grass verge on private property it would be different but I don't think you get those in Leichardt