Owner of abandoned car forced to pay £700 after ignoring warnings
A car owner who abandoned her vehicle has been forced to pay more than £700.
The uninsured and untaxed black Kia Rio was left in the Doxey area of Stafford for a month with a broken side window and fed-up local residents called the borough council.
Tyler Orton, from Stafford, admitted abandoning the vehicle last July and was fined £300 and ordered to pay £385 costs with a victim surcharge of £34.
Magistrates in Cannock were told the vehicle was reported to the council on July 30 and a notice asking for it to be removed was attached to the car.
On August 31, Orton was sent a £200 fixed penalty notice for the offence - but as it had not been paid the case was brought to court.
Stafford Borough Council can have a vehicle removed if it has been abandoned on the highway or publicly accessible land - although it will need the landowner’s permission if it is on private land.
Councillor Jonathan Price, the council's cabinet member for environment, said: "I hope this sends a message to others that it is not acceptable to just abandon a vehicle you no longer want.
"This irresponsible behaviour not only causes a blight on the area, but it can quickly become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and is bad for the environment."
He added: "Please ensure you dispose of your unwanted vehicle properly or expect to face a fine or prosecution and an appearance in court.”
