Picture this.

The owner of beaten-up old Datsun ute rolls into the mechanics with smoke pouring out from under the bonnet.

The mechanic takes a look, calls the owner and tells them the repair bill will be $2000. The owner simply never comes back, leaving the mechanic with a logistical nightmare – a car nobody wants that is difficult to sell.

This is the type of scenario the South Australian Government is hoping to rectify through proposed changes to the Unclaimed Goods Act 1987 that could make it easier for people to sell or dispose of goods not collected by owners and left in their possession.

This could unfold following the sale of an item that is never collected, after goods are left with a business to service, when a person agrees to look after goods for another, or when items have been otherwise abandoned.

The Unclaimed Goods Act 1987 currently permits a person to sell or dispose of unclaimed goods after waiting three months. They must then follow a set process of sale or disposal depending on the value of the goods, which may require public auctions and advertisements.

The proposed changes are aimed at making the process easier and reducing unnecessary costs, while maintaining important protections for owners.

The state government is seeking feedback on the proposed changes and has invited people to express their thoughts through the yourSAY website.

The proposed changes have been welcomed by the Motor Trade Association, whose members are often left to deal with unwanted vehicles.

“Automotive service and repair businesses are being used as a dumping ground for unwanted cars,” Motor Trade Association SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs said.

“Even after years of unanswered calls, letters and emails to a previous owner, businesses are left with red tape nightmares and disposal costs well in excess of the vehicle’s value.

"The MTA welcomes the state government’s review of unclaimed goods laws.”