Colchester residents 'disgusted' as burnt car left in street

For three years a white BWM, which is registered SORN, has been parked up in Compton Road in Colchester. 

A month-and-a-half ago, the vehicle caught on fire, but since then the charred husk of the car has still not been moved. 

One resident, who only gave his name as Chris, 36, has lived on Harwich Road for the past six years with his parking space at the rear of his property on Compton Road.

Frustrated - Residents are unhappy that the car has sat on the road for three years, and for over a month since it caught on fire (Image: Newsquest)The BMW is directly opposite his back gates, making it “impossible” to get his car out of his gate and he claims he is forced to park on the street.

Chris said: “This car is a hazard for the public, because it can’t be just lifted and taken away.

“It’s quite a concern to the public. There’s glass all over the floor and oil everywhere.

“It makes the area look terrible.

“We’re all doing bits and pieces to our properties to make them lucrative for future buyers, and we’ve got that sitting at the rear of our property.

“No one’s happy with it around here.”

Resident - Chris lives on Harwich Road, with his back gate and parking space directly opposite the BMW (Image: Newsquest) A vehicle that has been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) cannot be parked on the road or in a public place, and must be kept on private land such as a driveway or garage.

Residents claim the BMW’s position in the street has encouraged more cars to park in the road. 

The Gazette understands the owner is also trying to have the vehicle taken away.

Chris said: “It’s been reported to the council God knows how many times, to the DVLA quite a few times, and Budget Skips in Colchester reported it as hazardous waste.

“No one’s happy with the car still being here, and something’s got to be done about it.”

Dangerous - Firefighters rushed to Compton Road to put out the blaze (Image: Newsquest) A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We have been actively engaged in addressing this issue, as we understand the challenges it has created for residents in the area.

“Initially, we treated this car as an abandoned vehicle, which led to communication with the registered owner, who took responsibility for it.

“However, because the vehicle is registered as SORN and parked on the public highway, primary enforcement responsibility lies with the DVLA.

“We have consulted with relevant agencies, including Essex County Council, Essex Police, and the owner’s insurance provider, to determine the best course of action regarding its removal." 

Hazard - Residents on Compton Road are concerned about the condition the car has been left in (Image: Newsquest) They continued: “Given the recent developments, including the vehicle being burned out and left in an unusable state, we have prioritised its removal.

“While it has taken time to clarify the responsible party, we have now made the decision to proceed with its removal, and this process is underway.

“We appreciate residents’ patience and understanding as we work to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible.”