A car trader in Milton Keynes has been ordered to pay almost £1,500 in fines and court fees after being found guilty of unlawfully selling vehicles from the streets.
Following complaints from the public and an investigation by Milton Keynes City Council’s Environmental Crime Unit, it was discovered that the individual was selling cars from streets in Oxley Park, and advertising them online.
Selling two of more vehicles on a road is a criminal offence under S.3 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Offenders can receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or, if convicted at Court, a fine of up to £2,500.
MK City Council had previously warned the individual about the unlawful trading and issued fixed penalty notices. The individual continued to use roads as a showroom, making it harder for other local people to park near their homes, and the City Council placed the matter before the Magistrates Court.
The defendant pleaded guilty to exposing two or more vehicles for sale on roads within 500 metres of each other. He was fined £500, ordered to pay £898 in investigative and legal costs to the city council as well as a £50 victim surcharge.
“Nuisance traders like this, who think they can make a quick buck at their neighbours’ expense, are simply unacceptable. In this case, the trader ignored our efforts to change their behaviour and received a large fine as a result. We’re pleased with the outcome and hope this will deter others from making the same mistake.”