Wiltshire Council has successfully prosecuted a man from Hampshire for abandoning a vehicle in Old Sarum, Salisbury.

Hayden Key, of Mariners Way, Gosport, was found guilty of abandoning a Ford Fiesta on Ford Lane, Old Sarum at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31 July. He was ordered to pay a total of £1,752 in fines and costs.

The vehicle was first reported to the council on 10 October 2024. As it was located on private land, the landowner was asked to post a notice requesting its removal.

When it was not removed, the council resumed its investigation, and on 11 December 2024, Environmental Enforcement officers found the vehicle in poor condition, with a flat tyre, mould on the exterior, rusty brake discs, and debris inside. The vehicle was untaxed and without a valid MOT, and so the council issued a 15-day removal notice.

The vehicle was still not moved, so the council organised its removal and informed Mr Key of the costs involved in reclaiming the vehicle, warning him that it would be disposed of if not claimed within seven days.

Mr Key later contacted the council admitting to abandoning the vehicle and was offered the option to pay a £200 fixed penalty notice. Despite confirming he would pay, the notice remained unpaid and the vehicle was subsequently scrapped.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said: “Our Environmental Enforcement officers investigate all reports of abandoned vehicles. Most are removed by the owners when contacted, but for those truly abandoned, we will issue penalties or prosecute to protect our public highways and land.

“Abandoning a vehicle is not only a criminal offence, but it can also attract vandalism, rubbish and poses a significant fire risk, negatively affecting our communities and visitors. There is also a cost to Wiltshire taxpayers for removal. This case demonstrates our commitment to keeping Wiltshire clean and safe.”

For more information on how to report or claim an abandoned vehicle, visit: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parking-abandoned-vehicle