Hundreds of abandoned cars are removed from the streets of Niterói

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The most recent action took place last week and took place in three points: Rui Barbosa Avenue, in Cachoeira; and Travessa Nossa Senhora de Fátima and Rua Camilo Pereira, both in Largo da Batalha. Five vehicles considered abandoned were transported to the municipal depot, one was removed by the owner and nine others were fined for various traffic violations.

The results of operations throughout the year highlight the scale of the problem facing the city. According to the town hall, neighborhoods like Piratininga, Santa Rosa and Centro concentrate most of the incidents, followed by Ponta D’Areia, Engenhoca and Fonseca.

The president of Nittrans, Nelson Godá, emphasizes that the works have been essential to restore the roads to good condition and strengthen urban safety.

— We respond to requests from residents, who play a decisive role in providing information on critical points. Each move represents more road safety, more mobility and fewer health risks, he says.

According to the official report, most of the towed cars showed obvious signs of abandonment, such as rust, broken glass and damaged structures, factors that represent direct risks to public health, with an accumulation of dirt and stagnant water, attracting rodents and insects. Disposal focuses precisely on damaged vehicles that pose a health risk and obstruct traffic.

The Niitrans survey also shows a fact that attracts attention: 20% of the vehicles removed were without license plates, which makes contact with the owners difficult and can increase the feeling of insecurity among residents. The lack of identification also raises suspicions about the origin of the cars and possible involvement in criminal activities.

For Godá, the participation of the population in the process of transmitting information or reporting on this type of events is one of the key elements of the work.

— It is essential that people continue to report locations of possible abandoned vehicles. Our action improves urban planning, directly contributes to the flow of traffic and even prevents the proliferation of vectors and the accumulation of waste, thus helping to keep the city cleaner and more organized — he explains.

Cases are identified both by inspection teams and by complaints sent by the population to number 153 of the Integrated Public Security Center (Cisp) and through the Colab application.

According to Godá, Nittrans has established criteria to characterize a vehicle as abandoned and subject to removal. Key indicators include deterioration, with signs of breakdown of bodywork and removable parts, such as more than two punctures; visible damage to the bodywork with signs of collision, vandalism or willful depreciation, even if the vehicle is covered by coverage; and broken glass, considered a sign of abandonment.

He also stressed that all removal processes follow strict protocols. Seizures are recorded in an incident book, individual reports, digital spreadsheets and notification bulletins, to ensure transparency at every stage of the procedure.

The collected cars are taken to the depot located at Rua Professor Heitor Carrilho 403, in the Center. Owners have up to 60 days to regularize the situation and remove the vehicle. Otherwise, the car could be sent to public auction.

Operations will continue in 2025, focusing on the neighborhoods with the greatest number of incidents but covering the entire city, as complaints arise. The number of vehicles removed is expected to continue to rise in the coming months as more residents come forward with information about abandoned cars on their streets.