A Bolsover resident who abandoned their car on Council land has been hit with a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

The resident paid the FPN, plus £90 for recovery costs to us after an assessment by our Enforcement Team was carried out and determined that the vehicle met the criteria for abandonment as it was untaxed, did not have a valid MOT and was insecure.

A notice was placed on the vehicle, requiring it to be removed within seven-days but the person in control of the vehicle failed to comply.

We removed the vehicle and issued the Fixed Penalty Notice, which has been paid by the owner.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Deborah Watson said, “Abandoned vehicles represent a blight on our communities and can attract anti-social behaviour, so the sooner we can deal with them, the better.

“Abandoning a vehicle is an offence that spoils the environment for all, so let this serve as a warning that we take a zero tolerance approach on waste crime and we will take action where appropriate.”

You need to make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) when you take a vehicle ‘off the road’ and you want to stop taxing and insuring it. Such vehicles should be kept on your private property or someone else’s with their permission.

Unwanted vehicles can be recycled at Authorised Treatment Facilities, and in some instances you may receive payment for your vehicle.

If you see what you think is an abandoned vehicle then please report it to us via our Self Service portal or on 01246 242424.