Drivers have been warned that leaving a note on someone elses’s car could land you with a £2,000 fine. People have taken to leaving notes on cars if they don’t like how, or where, someone parks.
But car experts have warned you could be guilty of anti-social behaviour and risking a large fine. Majid Ismailzada, motoring expert at GM Direct Hire said: “Leaving angry or aggressive notes on vehicles could now result in hefty fines. What might seem like a quick way to vent frustration could land drivers in legal trouble, with fines reaching up to £2,000.
“With a rise in incidents where frustrated drivers leave hostile notes on windshields, authorities in the UK are stepping up efforts to address this form of antisocial behavior., Majid added: “These notes, while often left in the heat of the moment, are now considered a serious offense under UK law.
“Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, aggressive notes on vehicles can result in a Community Protection Notice, which carries a fine of up to £2,000.”
Majid Ismailzada, advises drivers to think twice before acting in anger, as the consequences can be severe, and recommends motorists handle parking issues with respect.
Majid said: “If you’re frustrated by another driver’s parking, it’s better to remain calm and address the situation politely or contact local authorities if necessary. A moment of respect can help you avoid unnecessary legal issues and fines.”
A Community Protection Notice (CPN) is a tool used in the UK to deal with persistent antisocial behavior that negatively affects a community’s quality of life. It is part of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is designed to prevent problems like noise, litter, vandalism, and other forms of public nuisance.
A CPN can be issued by police, local authorities, or certain registered social landlords. It is used when an individual’s or business’s behavior has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of the local community and is considered unreasonable.
Before issuing a CPN, authorities typically give a written warning that explains the problematic behavior and gives a reasonable time to stop it. If the behavior persists, a CPN may be issued.
The CPN will:
- Outline the specific behavior that must stop.
- Specify requirements to ensure the issue is resolved (e.g., clearing rubbish).
- Set a timeframe for compliance.
Failure to comply with a CPN can lead to:
- A fixed penalty notice (fine).
- Prosecution, which may result in a higher fine.
- For businesses, further measures can include remedial action, property closure, or other legal proceedings.
The person receiving the notice has the right to appeal against it within 21 days. A CPN is intended to strike a balance between individual freedom and maintaining community well-being by addressing persistent low-level antisocial behaviors.