Gwangju City to Conduct Comprehensive Crackdown on Illegally Abandoned Vehicles in Downtown in December

Gwangju City Hall

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 29th that it will conduct a comprehensive crackdown next month on vehicles abandoned without permission on roads, apartment complexes, and others' land, and operate a focused reporting period using the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 'Safety Report Center'.

This comprehensive crackdown was implemented following the Bitter Words Committee held on the 12th, which proposed seeking solutions for abandoned vehicles.

Looking at the handling performance of abandoned vehicles over the past three years, there were 1,565 cases in 2018, 1,694 cases last year, and 956 cases up to the first half of this year, showing an increasing trend every year, causing not only traffic inconvenience but also turning into eyesores in the city center.

Gwangju City will focus its crackdown on habitual abandonment areas such as used car sales complexes, villa villages, riversides, and industrial complexes.

The crackdown targets vehicles that have been left unattended on roads for more than 15 days without management, vehicles that are dismantled or damaged and cannot be operated, and vehicles abandoned on others' land for more than two months without justifiable reason.

When an abandoned vehicle is found, a towing notice will be attached, and the vehicle owner will be notified to voluntarily dispose of the vehicle. If this is not complied with, forced disposal such as scrapping or sale will be carried out. Abandoning a vehicle without permission is punishable under the 'Automobile Management Act' by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

In particular, 90% of abandoned vehicle detections are due to active citizen reports. December has been designated as the focused crackdown period, and the city plans to actively promote and receive reports using platforms such as the 'Safety Report Center'.

Son Doo-young, head of the city's Public Transportation Division, said, "Although abandoned vehicles are increasing due to economic difficulties, people should keep in mind that carelessly abandoning vehicles can lead to legal action, and vehicles must be disposed of following proper procedures."