IN A prosecution brought by Cambridge City Council, a Cambridge man has been ordered to pay a fine of £669, as well as costs, for abandoning his vehicle in the city. 

Humafun Hoque, of Alex Wood Road, was ordered to pay a total charge of £1,160 by Peterborough Magistrates for abandoning his vehicle. 

Mr Hoque had failed to claim his Vauxhall Movano van which had been left parked on Teversham Drift untaxed. It had been reported to the council as abandoned and not moved for a period of time.

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

Mr Hoque failed to attend the court and did not enter a plea. He was found guilty in his absence. As a result of this successful prosecution, Mr Hoque was ordered to pay a fine of £669, as well as £425 costs and a £66 victim surcharge.

Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “Abandoned vehicles are an eyesore that generates significant economic, environmental and social costs. They encourage other forms of anti-social behaviour and have a negative impact on the local community and area.

“The message from Cambridge City Council is clear - make sure you dispose of your unwanted vehicle legally and responsibly.”

Abandoning a vehicle is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is a fine of up to £2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to three months. Alternatively, enforcement officers may issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £200.

Abandoned vehicles (vehicles which are untaxed and unused) can be reported to the council via www.cambridge.gov.uk or by phoning the Customer Services on 01223 458282.