Man abandons disgusting mouldy van in the road - but locals have the last laugh

29 February 2024 , 23:00

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Abandoned Fiat van with mould growing inside (Image: Hull City Council)

A man abandoned his van in a neighbourhood street leaving it to rot - but locals had the last laugh when he picked up a huge fine.

Mark Adams abandoned his Fiat van on Netherton Road, off Boothferry Road, Hull,, in July last year. He was prosecuted by Hull City Council at Hull Magistrates' Court earlier this month. After receiving reports that the vehicle had been abandoned, the council carried out investigations and discovered the vehicle did not have a current MoT certificate or vehicle excise licence. Further inquiries identified Adams, of Fernhill Road, Hull, as the registered keeper of the vehicle.

After failing to respond to correspondence from the authority or take steps to move the vehicle, the council stepped in to remove the vehicle. Further correspondence was then sent to Adams, including instructions on how to recover the vehicle, charges to be paid for the recovery of the vehicle and a £200 fine.

The council received no response, so the matter was referred for prosecution. Adams failed to appear at the court on February 16 and was prosecuted in his absence for unlawful abandonment of a vehicle. He was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1,184.

Mark Adams was prosecuted for leaving his van in a west Hull street (Hull City Council)

Hull City Council continues to warn residents not to abandon vehicles if they are to avoid a substantial fine or prosecution. Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, it is an offence to unlawfully abandon a motor vehicle or any part of a motor vehicle. Anyone who has a vehicle they no longer require can have it collected and disposed of free of charge through the council's vehicle take-back scheme.

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Councillor Julia Conner, portfolio holder for environment, said: "Abandoning a vehicle is a crime that we do not tolerate in Hull. This reckless behaviour not only harms the environment but also poses health and safety risks to our residents.

"The council urges everyone to follow lawful procedures for vehicle disposal to avoid being fined or prosecuted. We also urge residents to report any suspicious activity promptly."

Rachel Hagan