Royal Wootton Bassett Resident Fined £200 for Abandoning Van

A resident has been fined £200 after abandoning a van on a public road in Royal Wootton Bassett, with Wiltshire Council also recovering the costs of removing and storing the vehicle.

The van was reported to Wiltshire Council in September after being left on a public road. Following an inspection, council officers determined that the vehicle had been abandoned and issued a notice requiring it to be removed within 24 hours.

Officers found the van in poor condition, with no registration plates, missing wing mirrors, exposed wiring and a severely worn tyre. The vehicle identification number had also been obscured.

A registration plate displayed in the windscreen was found to relate to a different vehicle, raising further concerns about the van's condition and identification.

Following further inspections, officers confirmed that the vehicle remained in the same location. The council subsequently arranged for the van to be removed.

After the removal, the owner confirmed to council officers that he no longer wanted the vehicle. He was issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for abandoning it and was also held responsible for the costs of recovery and storage.

The van has since been recycled.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding at Wiltshire Council, said abandoned vehicles could create problems for local communities.

"Abandoned vehicles can be unsightly, attract anti-social behaviour and, in some cases, pose a risk to public safety," he said.

He added that the council would continue to investigate reports of abandoned vehicles and take action where necessary.

Anyone who abandons a vehicle may face a fixed penalty notice and be required to cover the costs of recovering, storing and disposing of it.

Residents who no longer want their vehicles are encouraged to ensure they are disposed of responsibly through the appropriate channels.

Wiltshire Council has reminded residents that abandoned vehicles can be reported through its MyWilts online reporting service.

Reports can be submitted via the council's website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/MyWilts.