Council teams up with agencies to thwart unlicensed waste carriers

Council teams up with agencies to thwart unlicensed waste carriers

An enforcement operation took place last month in Liverpool, where 38 vehicles transporting waste were stopped within a span of four hours. The collaboration involved Liverpool City Council, the Environment Agency, Merseyside Police, and the Merseyside Rural and Heritage team working together to carry out roadside checks on vehicles transporting waste in the Liverpool Docks area. From cars to skip lorries, a total of 38 vehicles were stopped and inspected during this operation.

During the four-hour operation, the Council issued Section 34 notices to six waste carriers in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, requiring them to prove that they are disposing of waste lawfully. This legislation aims to prevent fly-tipping and illegal waste disposal on the streets. Businesses found guilty of fly-tipping in Liverpool could face a penalty charge of up to £1,000 or prosecution. Additionally, the Environment Agency distributed 24 advisory and guidance letters to drivers, while Merseyside Police identified two cases of unsafe or insecure loads and one unroadworthy vehicle.

Moving forward, plans are being made to build on the success of this operation and continue the fight against environmental crime through collaborative efforts. Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods, and Streetscene, emphasized the importance of working together to tackle fly-tipping and illegal waste disposal effectively. Caroline Berry, Merseyside Waste Team Leader at the Environment Agency, stressed the priority of protecting the environment and ensuring safe waste disposal. Inspector Sophie Read from the Rural Wildlife Heritage Team at Merseyside Police highlighted the significance of partnership in combatting fly-tipping and illegal waste disposal, expressing hope that continued collaboration will act as a deterrent in Liverpool

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