Man ordered to pay over £2,300 for abandoning damaged car
A man from Cholsey has been ordered to pay more than £2,300 after abandoning a damaged vehicle in Goring Heath, following successful action by South Oxfordshire District Council.
Matthew Butlin, of Rothwells Close, Cholsey, was found guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 October, after failing to respond to repeated notices and requests for action to remove and dispose of the vehicle.
Magistrates heard how the red Volkswagen Polo, left on the B4526, was reported to South Oxfordshire District Council in early January 2025, following concerns from local residents. In addition to visible crash damage, the vehicle’s MOT had also expired.
Checks with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) confirmed that Matthew Butlin was the registered owner of the vehicle. However, despite repeated attempts to contact him, the car remained at the site in a damaged and unsafe condition. After two weeks without reply, the council arranged for it to be removed.
Mr Butlin was initially issued with a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice. Paying this fine would have concluded the case, however he failed to do so and was therefore prosecuted for the offence.
As a result of his failure to remove the vehicle, Magistrates fined Mr Butlin £660 and ordered him to pay the full £1,640.50 costs, including the vehicle removal and disposal fees. Total to pay £2,300.50.
Cllr Sam James-Lawrie, Cabinet Member for Environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Abandoned vehicles are more than just an eyesore — they can be a real safety hazard and a blight on our communities. This successful prosecution shows that we take these issues seriously and will take firm action where people fail to meet their responsibilities.”
Residents are reminded that anyone can report an abandoned vehicle via the council’s website – southoxon.gov.uk/AbandonedVehicles
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The prosecution was brought under Section 2(1) of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.
Court awarded the following:
- Investigation costs: £796.50
- Lift & disposal: £200.00
- Prosecution costs: £380.00
- Fine: £660.00
- Victim surcharge: £264.00
Total: £2,300.50
