TWO residents have been prosecuted for abandoning vehicles in the city during the summer, in prosecutions brought by Cambridge City Council at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.

Nathan Brett, of Great Fen Road, Soham, was ordered by the court to pay a total of £709 for abandoning a car on Nuttings Road.

The court heard that Brett failed to claim a BMW 3 Series car which had been left parked on Nuttings Road, Cambridge, untaxed. It had been reported to the council as abandoned, dangerously damaged and had several smashed windows. Following its removal by the council and several letters to Brett, it was then reported as stolen to the police.

Brett was issued with a fixed penalty notice as an alternative to prosecution. When Brett failed to pay the fine, the matter was referred to the court and a prosecution for the original offence ensued.

Brett failed to attend the court, did not enter a plea and was found guilty. As a result, Brett was ordered to pay a fine of £200, as well as £475 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Pawel Gronkowski of Anns Road, Cambridge, was ordered by the court to pay a total of £709 for abandoning a car.

The court heard that Gronkowski failed to claim a Mercedes car which had been left parked on Natal Road, Cambridge, untaxed. It had been reported to the council as abandoned and not moved for a period of time.

Gronkowski was issued with a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay the fine. The matter was referred to the court and a prosecution ensued for the original offence.

Gronkowski failed to attend the court, did not enter a plea and was found guilty. As a result, Gronkowski was ordered to pay a fine of £200, as well as £475 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Both prosecutions were heard on Tuesday 29 November at Cambridge Magistrates Court.

Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, it is a criminal offence to abandon, without lawful authority, a motor vehicle on any land in the open air; or on any other land forming part of a highway.

Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “There is no reason for abandoning vehicles. It is illegal, an eyesore to neighbourhoods, invites further anti-social behaviour and is an overall nuisance to residents.

“If you no longer want your vehicle there are ways to legally dispose of it. If your car has reached the end of its life, you can get it scrapped at a government authorised treatment facility and if it is still in working condition you could sell it to a licensed dealer.

“The council will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and as seen with these two successful prosecutions, will take the necessary action to make sure that those responsible are held accountable.”