Published: August 22, 2009 07:28 pm      

Problem of junked cars

Cars on blocks could cost the owner plenty

The town of Sellersburg is cracking down on junked cars left in residents’ yards.

An amendment to an ordinance — that has been on the books in Sellersburg for 10 years — passed in January, applies restrictions to inoperable vehicles being left in yards.

“The vehicles have to be licensed, insured and running,” said Brian Meyer, president of Sellersburg’s Town Council.

The ordinance — 2009-002 — also is a reflection of Indiana state law, providing two days to remove a vehicle abandoned not on a resident’s personal property. If the vehicle is on the resident’s private property and inoperable, the provision allows for 20 days before a citation is issued.

“We were getting a lot of junked cars sitting around and that’s definitely not what we want to portray as a town,” Meyer said.

While the town and police have received recent complaints, no citations have been issued this year, according to Donald Ross Jr., deputy chief of police for Sellersburg.

Of the seven complaints received, three are already in compliance with the ordinance, he said.

Maximum penalties for abandoned vehicles included the cost for removal and storage of the vehicle, a fine not to exceed $2,500 — under general penalties — and possible auctioning of the vehicle if it is not claimed by the owner.

To report an abandoned or junked vehicle, contact the Sellersburg Police Department at 812-246-4491.