Officers tackle potential fly-tippers operating in Thurrock

It was held on Friday January 25 between 5pm and midnight and officers stopped any vehicles they suspected of transporting waste to make sure they were properly licensed.

The team stopped around 30 vehicles and handed out a number of penalties.

One fixed penalty notice was issued for failing to produce waste carriers licence on request

One Section 34 notice was issued, which gives the recipient with seven days to produce documents for waste that they have transported for the two previous years

One Fixed Penalty Notice was issued for fly-tipping

Seven fixed penalty notices were issued for littering

One Community Protection Notice was issued to require the removal of waste from land

Two on-going investigations regarding Fly-posting on street furniture.

Rob Gledhill, Leader of Thurrock Council was in attendance when the officers commenced the operation from South Ockendon Police Station. He said: “This kind of operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate anyone using Thurrock as a place to illegally dump waste.

“Fly-tipping is a vile act and a potential health hazard, it is not something we will tolerate in the borough. We will continue to work with colleagues in Essex Police and the Environment Agency as we tackle the unscrupulous criminals who blight our landscape with their rubbish.”

PC Paul Brady, of Essex Police’s Gypsy and Traveller Rural Engagement Team (GTRET), said: “This was a successful high visibility operation to tackle the illegal transportation and dumping of waste in Thurrock. It was led by GTRET, with support from other policing departments, Thurrock Council and The Environment Agency, and almost 30 drivers were spoken to.

“We treat fly-tipping extremely seriously and work with our partners to prosecute anyone caught illegally depositing waste. The day of action sends a clear message - disposing of your waste illegally will not be tolerated here in Thurrock and you will face either a prosecution or a hefty fine.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Fly-tipping is a crime and poses a threat to people and wildlife, and damages the environment. Waste criminals undermine legitimate businesses so we work closely with partners to share intelligence on such activity.”