Illegal waste carriers targeted in Purbeck

Officers stopped a number of vehicles, including vans, lorries and flatbed trucks during the joint operation that took place on the A31 near Bere Regis on 10 August.

An initiative between Dorset Rural Crime Partnership, Dorset Police, Purbeck District Council and the Environment Agency, checks were made by each organisation on load carried, waste carrier licences, mobile collecting licences, driving documents and vehicle condition.

A range of vehicles was checked, including demolition and construction, window fitters and landscape gardening. Drivers were dealt with for offences such as bald tyres, no insurance and not being in possession of a waste carriers licence.

Communities and involvement portfolio holder for Purbeck District Council, Cllr Bill Pipe, said, “Most people go about their business safely and legally. However there are unscrupulous people on our roads, some carrying waste that is later fly-tipped, causing a blight on our landscape and taxpayers’ money to remove.

“Officers are keen to crack down on the number of unlicensed waste carriers or vehicles transporting controlled waste as these are linked to fly-tipping, burglary and other environmental crime.”

He added, “This is a reminder that if you employ someone to take away your waste, check they have the necessary licences to dispose of it legally. Anyone who cannot provide the correct paperwork is not worth risking giving your money to.”

PC Claire Dinsdale of Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said, “The Rural Crime Partnership has increased the sharing of intelligence between agencies and will continue to target suspect vehicles and fly-tipping hotspots.

“Fly-tipping is a serious concern for many farmers and landowners who are left with huge clear up costs if a fly tip occurs on their land. Fly-tips also occur on the highways and the estimated cost of fly tipping for the taxpayer was £57.7 million between 2016 and 2017. It is potentially hazardous, unsightly and a danger to wildlife and livestock.”

Although further spot checks are planned, the council and police are asking people to remain vigilant to prevent fly tipping:

• If an organisation offers to dispose of your waste on your behalf, you should check they are an authorised waste carrier. You can do this on the Environment Agency’s website. If they do not have a licence, they are not legally permitted to take your waste away and if the waste is fly-tipped, you could face prosecution.
• If you see a fly-tipping incident in progress, call the Police on 999. Try to obtain the vehicle registration and description of those involved. If you locate a fly-tip, please report to your council. You can do this online at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/flytipping or telephone your local council.