TWO drivers who carelessly dumped their old vehicles have each been issued with a £200 penalty.

Wiltshire Council officers removed an abandoned Ford Fiesta from Durley, near Marlborough, and a Volkswagen Golf from a roadside in Burbage.

Both were untaxed and the registered keepers were issued with fixed penalty notices.

Wiltshire Council enforcement officers can immediately remove vehicles they deem to be abandoned, issue a fixed penalty notice to the owner and claim disposal costs.

Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “As well as being unsightly, abandoned vehicles can cause a big safety issue and are an environmental hazard.

“Issuing fixed penalty notices demonstrates the seriousness of such an offence. Members of the public are encouraged to report any vehicle they suspect as being abandoned to the council.”