Plumtree Town (Abandoned Vehicles) By-laws, 2025
Plumtree can tow an abandoned vehicle after three days — 24 hours if it blocks somewhere inconvenient — at US$20 to US$30, storage US$15 to US$20 a day, and auction it after 60 days.
These by-laws deal with vehicles abandoned on public property or other places open to public travel in the Plumtree Town area without the council's consent.
Where the owner fails to remove the vehicle within three working days, the council tows it to a storage facility at the owner's expense; where it is abandoned in an inconvenient place, it is towed within 24 hours. If it is not redeemed within 60 days, the council disposes of it through an advertised auction to recover its expenses.
Before towing, the council and the Zimbabwe Republic Police assess the vehicle's condition, record defects, missing parts and broken gadgets on an inventory sheet, and communicate that to the owner where known with a copy to the police. The council is not liable for any claim about those defects or missing parts. Places designated as secure compounds are published in a local newspaper.
Fees are US$20 to tow a light vehicle and US$30 a heavy vehicle, with storage at US$15 and US$20 a day respectively.
Penalties are US$30 each for removing a wheel clamp and for taking a vehicle out of the secure compound, and US$25,03 for non-removal of car shells; obstructing an authorised person is printed as US$0,00.
What changed
- Abandoned vehicles are towed after three working days, or within 24 hours if inconveniently placed
- Towing costs US$20 for light and US$30 for heavy vehicles, with storage at US$15 and US$20 a day
- Unredeemed vehicles are auctioned after 60 days
- The council and police assess and record the vehicle's condition before towing, and the council disclaims liability
- Removing a wheel clamp or taking a vehicle from the compound carries US$30; car shells left in place US$25,03
Who this affects
- Owners of vehicles left on Plumtree streets
- Scrapyards and owners of car shells
- Council parking enforcement and the police
- Buyers at council auctions
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.