READING Borough Council has removed an apparently abandoned vehicle from a car park in Reading after complaints from residents.
A concerned resident reported that a green taxi cab had been abandoned near the junction of Wilson Road and Westbourne Terrace, Northcote.
It had been left for some time and had its windows smashed, with evidence of drug-taking visible inside along with piles of rubbish.
Concerns were raised not only by the possibility of its use for drug-taking, but also its proximity to the nearby Wilson Primary School.
Reading Borough Council has confirmed that the taxi has now been removed from the car park.
It is part of wider and increasing concerns surrounding drug use and dishevelment along Oxford Road.
Issues include garages and secure buildings in the area being broken into and used for criminal activities, and similar problems with public phone boxes in the area.
Reading Borough Council is only able to take action against seemingly abandoned cars if they are “significantly damaged,” not if they are merely parked in a dangerous or inconvenient way.
Cars which are stationary for a significant amount of time, are burned out or unsafe to drive, or have missing number plates are considered abandoned.
Vehicles of this description will be investigated by the council within five working days, or within 24 hours if it is very heavily damaged
Registered keepers will be contacted, and if not claimed will be stored for up to two weeks before disposal.
Abandoning a vehicle is a criminal offence liable for a fine up to £2,500, though the council can also issue the keep of an abandoned vehicle with a fixed penalty notice of £200 as an alternative.
Abandoned vehicles can be reported to the Reading Borough Council via: reading.gov.uk/vehicles-roads-and-transport
