Former Cheltenham resident prosecuted for abandoning a vehicle

Mr Bexon was fined £300 and ordered to pay £300 as a contribution towards costs of £700 that was applied for. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, bringing his costs to a total of £630.

Before this matter was put forward for legal action, Mr Bexon was issued with a fixed penalty notice offering him the opportunity to ‘discharge to conviction’ for the offence of abandoning a vehicle. The fixed penalty notice was for £200 if paid within 14 days, and the lesser amount of £120 if paid within 10 days.
Mr Bexon failed to pay the penalty which led to Cheltenham Borough Council taking legal proceedings against him in Cheltenham’s Magistrates’ Court.

Clive Evans, community protection officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, says: “Taking this type of action through the courts proves that the council does not tolerate such activities.

“We worked with local residents who helped us bring this case to conclusion with their statements.”

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, continues: “Abandoning vehicles can be dangerous to the community and cause environmental issues if there are any leaking fluids. Vehicles that are left in certain conditions can be a fire risk and need to be removed as soon as possible.”