Fly-tippers targeted in Medway and Dover

Suspected unlicensed scrap and waste collectors were targeted across the county by Kent Police officers working in partnership with Medway Council and Dover District Council

The three agencies joined forces on Wednesday 3 August 2022 to carry out a series of patrols and stop checks to combat the issue.

The activity led to six vehicles, which were suspected to have been involved in illegally dumping waste, being seized.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, from Kent Police, said: ‘Although local councils are the lead agencies for this type of offending, we simply will not turn a blind eye to the detrimental impact it has on our communities.

‘We are always working in close partnership with local councils, to share intelligence and determine the most appropriate course of action. This day of action was the culmination of such work, and I am confident it has caused considerable disruption to those involved in unlicensed scrap and waste collections.

‘Members of the public can expect to see similar operations in the future across the county.’

In Dover, two untaxed vehicles were seized by Kent Police’s Rural Task Force in the Park Avenue area and in Ash, Canterbury.

A further six vehicles were stopped during the operation and the drivers had their vehicles seized for driving with no insurance or tax.

Cllr Martin Bates, Dover District Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: ‘Officers from DDC’s Regulatory Services department were very pleased to take part in this joint working operation, and to work with Kent Police to tackle unlicensed waste and scrap collectors.

‘Officers served two enforcement notices requiring the production of documentation. We continue to work hard with our partners to prevent fly-tipping across the district.'

Head Of Regulatory Services at Medway Council, Ian Gilmore added: ‘This partnership working with Kent Police allows local authorities to target vehicles suspected to have been used in fly tipping, illegal waste carrying and illegal scrap collectors.

‘On this day vehicles were targeted through shared intelligence and checks for valid, appropriate licences carried out. Any unlicensed waste carriers risk having their vehicle seized and any vehicles suspected of being used in a fly tipping incident may also be seized.’