A report obtained exclusively by the I-Team shows just how bad the problem is.Nearly 14,000 abandoned cars were reportedly dumped in Oakland over a six-month period, which prompted a tow bill controversy.A stolen car gets dumped on your property in Oakland, now you have to pay for it to be towed.
You see them everywhere - residential streets, business districts, even on the train tracks. Residents tell us they're blocking access to their homes, businesses, and even entrances to local schools.According to a new report from Oakland's Department of Transportation, 13,856 abandoned cars were reported in Oakland over a six-month period last year.The I-Team went for a ride-along with Councilmember Noel Gallo and his staff to see the volume on the streets.
Within 15 minutes of our drive, Gallo's staff assistant Preston Turner who tracks these reports daily, pointed out 25 abandoned cars within a couple mile radius. Within 30 minutes, that figure jumped to 50 abandoned cars.The volume was eye-opening. According to Gallo, the problem has tripled on the streets so far this year. Why?The city's storage lots for abandoned cars are packed and expensive. Gallo says the city is paying close to $1 million annually for storage alone.
Councilman Gallo and Turner responded to complaints of stolen vehicles blocking access to a nearby grade school. They say parents or teachers had nowhere to park.Reporting abandoned and stolen cars has also become an issue.