31Removal of dangers and obstructions to traffic

31 Removal of dangers and obstructions to traffic (1) If a danger or obstruction to traffic on a road or road related area is caused by— (a) a vehicle that is involved in a traffic accident or is broken down; or (b) anything that has fallen, escaped or been removed from a vehicle; or (c) a container used for transporting materials or rubbish (including a building skip) or anything else left or placed on a road or road related area; a police officer or authorised person may remove the vehicle, thing or container and take other steps necessary to protect the public and assist the free flow of traffic.

(2) The road transport authority may recover the cost of action taken under subsection (1) as a debt payable to the Territory by— (a) for a vehicle—the driver of, or responsible person for, the vehicle at the time of the traffic accident or breakdown; or (b) for anything that has fallen, escaped or been removed from a vehicle—the driver of, or responsible person for, the vehicle at the time of the fall, escape or removal; or (c) for anything else left or placed on a road or road related area— the person who left or placed it, or had possession of it when it was left or placed. (3) A certificate given by or on behalf of the road transport authority, and stating that a stated amount is the cost of taking stated action under subsection (1), is evidence of the facts stated.