A DRIVER accepted a nearly $25,000 fine after city officials complained for years about parking on his property.
Dozens of broken-down cars were parked on the Vermont native’s lawn. The state complained that the man ran an unauthorized scrap yard.
Brent Bapp was fined $24,859.80, officials with the state Department of Natural Resources Agency’s Conservation Department told the local NBC affiliate. WPTZ.
It is illegal to have many broken-down vehicles parked on private property without permission, state officials said.
Drivers must obtain proper permits to maintain a scrap yard to undergo proper environmental review.
The state said it’s important to maintain trash laws — dilapidated vehicles run the risk of leaking hazardous waste into nearby soil and can contaminate residential water supplies.
Read more about parking fines
This is the second time that Bapp has been penalized for the infraction, according to the broadcaster.
In 2018, the owner was forced to remove a number of defunct vehicles after the agency found 28 junked cars on his property.
Bapp was in compliance with state rules as of July 2020.
However, the owner began to accumulate more vehicles in the following years.
State agencies counted up to 65 junk vehicles on Bapp’s property between December 2020 and August 2023.
The environmental agency filed a complaint with the Vermont Superior Court.
Bapp agreed to the nearly $25,000 fine. It will also remove the vehicles and be in compliance by July 31, the station reported.
JALOPY JOSTLE
Several states have been grappling with a flood of older vehicles clogging roads, private property and even boat docks.
Authorities in Hawaii, California and Deleware have grappled with a growing number of broken down cars in their neighborhoods.
Some government agencies have stated that old vehicles are piling up due to the cost of living crisis in their respective states.
How to report an abandoned car
Reporting an abandoned vehicle is important to keep city streets safe and clean
An abandoned car is not only an eyesore, but also a danger to the surrounding community, as pests and rodents can take refuge inside, in the engine compartment or in the trunk.
Leaking fluids can be dangerous to the environment, as many vehicle fluids are toxic and can wreak havoc on ecosystems if they enter waterways.
They can also encourage crime, with several cities like Oakland, California, reporting that drug dealers can use them to hide and steal drugs or weapons.
Abandoned vehicles can also decrease property values.
So they are worth it. The specific contact information for your city’s abandoned car hotline may vary, but the required vehicle information is the same.
When reporting an abandoned vehicle, the police will need:
- The exact address of the vehicle
- Steering column information (broken, missing, intact, etc.)
- Vehicle condition (severely damaged, broken windows, leaking fluids, missing body panels or doors, etc.)
- Brand and model
- Color
- Body style (pickup, SUV, sedan, etc.)
- License plate number and state, if applicable
- VIN
Many cities will allow residents to report abandoned vehicles online via an online form or via an online form.
Source: ABC affiliate WPVI-TV
“We recognize the difficult situation facing the homeless and the extraordinary high cost of living on Maui and throughout the state,” said Ed Underwood, administrator of the Division of Ocean Navigation and Recreation at the Hawaii Department of Natural Resources.
The agency found dozens of old boats rotting in public waters. People who were homeless used the boats as homes, the agency said.
But the agency had to act.
“Our boating facilities are open to everyone and it is not appropriate for certain individuals to decide to establish lodges,” Underwood added.
Some cities have imposed strict rules against vehicle littering to dissuade residents from getting into their vehicles.
Drivers in Hilton Head, South Carolina are subject to $500 fines if any trace of trash is left in their vehicles.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
