£1,884 fine for man who abandoned van in 'legitimate protest' against South Cambridgeshire Council

A man who abandoned a van spray-painted with 'offensive wording' in a protest against South Cambridgeshire Council has been hit with a four-figure fine. The vehicle was parked at a busy roundabout in Cambourne.

Environmental Crime Officers from the District Council photographed and documented the vehicle over a period of time, and noting the deteriorating condition. People living in the area also complained about the van's appearance and the council said it became a hazard to pedestrians and other road users.

It was removed and placed into secure storage while attempts were made to get the owner to claim the vehicle. The man, who has not been named but is a local resident, either failed or refused to reclaim the van and failed to co-operate with the council, so was subsequently issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) which he failed or refused to pay.

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The man was taken to court charged with vehicle abandonment. He claimed the van was a 'legitimate protest'.

However he was found guilty in a hearing at Cambridge Magistrates' Court. He was fined £1,884.

Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Councils can issue Fixed Penalty Notices where the evidence is sufficient to take a case to court. The option of a Fixed Penalty Notice fine enables people to avoid receiving a larger fine and going to court. In this case, however, the man refused to pay so has ended up much worse off. He has lost his van, must pay a hefty fine and has a criminal record.”

Cllr Shrobona Bhattacharya, local member for Cambourne, said: “It’s understandable that residents of Cambourne found it unsettling to see a vehicle abandoned at the entrance to our town. This disrupts the appearance of our community but also creates an unwelcoming first impression for everyone entering Cambourne. We must ensure that our shared spaces reflect the pride we have in our town.

"As a local councillor, I am concerned about the environmental impact of abandoned vehicles. We all take responsibility for keeping our community clean and safe. Let’s work together to protect our environment and uphold the standards that make Cambourne a great place to live.”