Bedford Borough Council has successfully prosecuted three residents for abandoning vehicles in Bedford, with convictions secured at Luton Magistrates Court on Friday 4 July 2025. These prosecutions underline the Council’s commitment to tackling environmental crime and maintaining safe, clean streets for the community.
Mr Florin Vlasa of Kempston was found guilty in his absence of abandoning a red Toyota Aygo in Ash Walk, Kempston. The vehicle was untaxed, without MOT, and had a flat tyre. Mr Vlasa was fined a total of £1,456, which included a £440 fine, £176 victim surcharge, and £840 costs. After the Council’s Enviro Crime team issued warning notices and a Fixed Penalty Notice that went unpaid, the vehicle was removed in December 2024, leading to prosecution.
Miss Bridie Piggott from Thurleigh was also found guilty in her absence of abandoning a silver Vauxhall Astra in Ossory Way, Bedford. The vehicle had been untaxed since March 2024 and was reportedly parked for four months. She was fined the same total amount of £1,456 following similar enforcement actions and removal of the vehicle.
Mr Makiese Biziki from Bedford pleaded guilty to abandoning a blue Volkswagen Touran in Meadway, Bedford. The vehicle was untaxed, unlocked, and had flat tyres. He was fined a total of £1,270, including £307 fine, £123 victim surcharge, and £840 costs. After warnings and an unpaid Fixed Penalty Notice, the vehicle was removed in January 2025.
Abandoning a vehicle is a criminal offence under the Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978 and carries a maximum fine of £2,500 or imprisonment. Bedford Borough Council’s Enviro Crime team continues to take firm action against offenders to protect the local environment and community wellbeing.
When a vehicle reaches the end of its useful life, owners are reminded to dispose of it responsibly through a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). These facilities ensure hazardous materials are safely removed and vehicles are recycled properly. Disposal at an ATF is free of charge and provides a Certificate of Destruction as legal proof. Abandoning vehicles or using unlicensed sites is illegal and can result in prosecution. Further detail can be found at www.gov.uk/scrapped-and-written-off-vehicles
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “These prosecutions demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime. Abandoned vehicles cause hazards and blight our streets, but through the dedication of our Enviro Crime team and the support of residents, we are holding offenders accountable. We urge everyone to dispose of vehicles responsibly and help keep Bedford clean and safe.”
Residents are encouraged to report abandoned vehicles and environmental concerns via the Bedford Borough Council website www.bedford.gov.uk/abandoned to support ongoing enforcement efforts. The same page has details for reclaiming an abandoned vehicle and a Council service available for removing and disposing of an unwanted vehicle.
Further details of Fixed Penalty Notices in Bedford Borough can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/fixed-penalty-notices