Hampshire man guilty of abandoning car in South Wiltshire
It follows a prosecution by Wiltshire Council
A man from Hampshire has been fined more than £1,700 for abandoning a car in Old Sarum last October, after a successful prosecution by Wiltshire Council.
Hayden Key, of Mariners Way, Gosport, was found to have left a Ford Fiesta on Fold Lane, and has been ordered to pay £1,752 in fines and costs.
He was found guilty at Swindon Magistrates Court.
The car was first reported to the authority on 10th October, but it was on private land, which required the landowner to post a notice asking for the vehicle to be removed.
It wasn't taken away and the Council resumed its investigation, with Environmental Enforcement officers discovering the vehicle in poor condition in December.
It had a flat tyre, mould on the exterior, rusty brake discs, and debris inside, as well as being untaxed and without a valid MOT.
The council issued a 15-day removal notice, which went unheeded, meaning the authority arranging the cars removal, contacting Mr Key to tell him the cost involved in reclaiming the vehicle.
He was also told it would be disposed of, if it wasn't claimed within seven days. Mr Key admitted the abandonment to the council, saying he would pay the £200 fixed penalty notice, but that went unpaid and the car was scrapped.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said: "Our Environmental Enforcement officers investigate all reports of abandoned vehicles. Most are removed by the owners when contacted, but for those truly abandoned, we will issue penalties or prosecute to protect our public highways and land.
"Abandoning a vehicle is not only a criminal offence, but it can also attract vandalism, rubbish and poses a significant fire risk, negatively affecting our communities and visitors. There is also a cost to Wiltshire taxpayers for removal. This case demonstrates our commitment to keeping Wiltshire clean and safe."