Police stopped ten waste traders operating without a licence during a recent operation in Harpenden.
Herts police officers staked out St Albans Road for two hours on August 22 as part of an anti-fly-tipping partnership with St Albans district council (SADC) and Trading Standards called Operation Kendal.
They stopped the ten traders without a licence and also two more waste vehicles driving without insurance and another with a bald tyre.
The unlicensed companies now have two weeks to produce or obtain documentation - if they do not the Environment Agency will begin legal proceedings.
Rural and wildlife officer, PC Jane Flemons, said: “We ran this operation to help protect residents from illegal waste carriers. Fly-tipping also adds considerable costs to the local council to clear and has an enormous impact on the community and the environment.”
If a householder hands over rubbish to an unlicensed waste carrier and that company then fly-tips it, the resident is held responsible and can be prosecuted.
The crime carries a sentence of a year in jail and up to £50,000 fine.
PC Flemons said: “Always check that the person disposing of your household waste has a waste carriers licence, issued by the Environment Agency and ask them to provide an address, phone number and vehicle registration details.”
The two uninsured motorists were each handed a £200 fine and six points, and the driver with a bald tyre has a week to make repairs or face a £60 penalty and three points.
Portfolio Holder for the Environment at SADC, Cllr Frances Leonard, said: “Operation Kendal is a striking and highly successful example of the partnership working that is required to tackle the scourge of fly-tipping.
“I am sure this crackdown will act as a deterrent and will also remind businesses and households that they have a legal duty to ensure anyone taking away their waste requires a licence to do so.”
Anyone who spots fly-tipping taking place should contact police on 999. Anything discovered afterwards should be reported to SADC on 01727 809019 or to wastemanagementservices@stalbans.gov.uk
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