253Disposal of motor vehicle

1. This section applies to a motor vehicle seized and impounded under section 249 if the motor vehicle is not released within 10 working days of its impoundment.

2. The storage provider with possession of the motor vehicle may dispose of the motor vehicle in accordance with subsection (3) or (5), as appropriate.

3. A storage provider that is not a local authority may—

4. apply to an enforcement officer authorised for the purpose by the Commissioner for approval to dispose of a motor vehicle under subsection (2); and
5. with the enforcement officer’s written approval, dispose of the motor vehicle on such terms and conditions as the officer thinks fit.

6. If approval is given under subsection (3) for the disposal of a motor vehicle, the storage provider becomes the owner of the motor vehicle for all purposes.

7. A storage provider that is a local authority may dispose of a motor vehicle under subsection (2) in accordance with section 356A(7), (8), and (9) of the Local Government Act 1974.

8. However, before disposing of a motor vehicle under subsection (3) or (5), a storage provider must—

9. search the personal property securities register to identify every person with a security interest in the motor vehicle; and
10. notify in writing every person with a security interest in the motor vehicle.

11. For the purposes of subsection (6), security interest has the same meaning as in section 17 of the Personal Property Securities Act 1999.