Published on 23rd November 2015
Cheltenham Borough Council has successfully prosecuted Mr Richard McCoy of All Saints Terrace, Cheltenham, for the environmental offence of abandoning his motor vehicle in Cheltenham.
The council received a complaint of a vehicle having been abandoned, with the main concern being the risk of arson as the vehicle was insecure. The vehicle met the criteria for abandonment as it was untaxed, did not have a valid MOT, was in an un-roadworthy condition and had been stationary for a period of time.
Mr Richard McCoy was found guilty under S2(1)(a) Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 and was fined £440 for the offence plus £181.71 officer costs, £150 court charge, £75 legal costs and £44 victim surcharge. A total of £890.71.
The case was investigated by Brian Daughtrey, community protection officer, who said: “I am very pleased with this result as it reflects the gravity of the offence and the officer time required to investigate it. I hope this will be a deterrent to anyone considering abandoning their car on the streets of Cheltenham rather than disposing of it legally.”
Councillor Andy McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, added: "Abandoned vehicles are a significant problem in some areas of Cheltenham, they make streets both dangerous and unsightly. As such the council sees the abandoning of vehicles as completely unacceptable.
“I hope this conviction makes it clear to everyone that the council will not hesitate to use the full weight of the law to stamp out this problem."
For more information on abandoned vehicles and how to report them visit the council's website.
For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 01242 775050, email [email protected]
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