People are being urged not to abandon their vehicles, following a successful prosecution involving a car left for several months at a service station.
The case, involving a blue Ford Fiesta abandoned at Cambridge Services in Boxworth, serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities’ vehicle owners must uphold.
South Cambridgeshire District Council received a report of a vehicle that had allegedly been left in the car park at Cambridge Services for six months.
Officers attended the scene, issued a statutory notice, and contacted the registered owner in writing – a man in his 40s who lives more than 50 miles away in King’s Lynn.
Despite the warnings, the 2005 plate Ford Fiesta remained unclaimed for 14 days. In accordance with legal procedures, the Council arranged for it to be removed and securely stored by a licensed contractor for a further 21 days to allow the owner a final opportunity to reclaim it.
After this period elapsed without contact, the vehicle was lawfully destroyed.
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £200 was issued to the registered keeper as an alternative to prosecution for abandoning a vehicle. The fine is reduced to £120 if paid in the first 10 days.
However, when the FPN went unpaid, the case was escalated to court.
The owner was subsequently found guilty of the offence of abandoning a vehicle and ordered to pay a £220 fine, £88 victim surcharge and £564.75 costs - totalling £872.75.
The car was abandoned in September 2023 and a report made to the District Council in March 2024. The court case took place at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 27 May 2025.
Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Abandoning a vehicle is not only illegal but creates an eyesore and hazard for the local community. Some residents I have spoken to about abandoned cars have become concerned about the people who own the cars too and worry for their safety unnecessarily. We investigate every report and will take firm action against those who fail to take responsibility for their property. We hope this case sends a clear message that vehicle abandonment will not be tolerated in South Cambridgeshire.”
Cllr Peter Sandford, a district councillor for Boxworth, said: “We rely on residents to be our eyes and ears when it comes to abandoned vehicles. If you spot one, report it to us – anyone can do so using our online report tool. Parking at Boxworth Services is limited, and a dumped car taking up space just makes things worse for everyone.”
Cllr Mark Howell, a district councillor for Boxworth, added: “An abandoned car is just the same as littering on a large scale. People must take responsibility for their actions and South Cambridgeshire District Council are right to pursue this individual and anyone else who pollutes our beautiful area.”
Residents are reminded to dispose of unwanted vehicles legally. If you no longer want your car, options include contacting a registered scrap dealer, donating it to charity, or using a vehicle take-back scheme offered by many manufacturers.
To report an abandoned vehicle, visit our website.
