Cambridge resident’s decision to abandon motorbike on city street proves costly

A Cambridge resident who failed to claim a motorcycle left in the street has been ordered to pay a total of £1,508 by magistrates.

Mavlon Rakhmonkulon, of Arbury Road, was prosecuted by Cambridge City Council over the motorbike left parked on Water Street.

It was reported to the council as abandoned and not moved for more than four weeks.

Rakhmonkulon was issued a fixed penalty notice as an alternative to prosecution but failed to pay the fine, so the matter was referred to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.

Rakhmonkulon failed to attend the court on November 14, did not enter a plea and was found guilty in absence. As a result, they were ordered to pay a fine of £220, as well as £1,200 costs and a £88 victim surcharge.

Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for climate action and environment, said: “We all have a duty to look after the city. Abandoning vehicles has economic, environmental and social costs. It makes the city look uncared for and encourages other forms of anti-social behaviour, which has a negative impact on the local community and area.

“If you are the owner of an unwanted vehicle, you are responsible for making sure it is disposed of legally and responsibly. I encourage residents who are aware of abandoned vehicles to report them to us online so that appropriate action can be taken.”

Abandoning a vehicle is a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of a fine of up to £2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to three months. Alternatively, enforcement officers can issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £200. Abandoned vehicles - meaning vehicles that are untaxed and unused - can be reported at https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/report-an-abandoned-vehicle.