A VAN twice used to dump waste illegally has been crushed.

It is the first time Durham County Council has used new legislation to take such action with a vehicle connected to flytipping and the authority hopes it will serve as a strong warning to others thinking of committing the same offence.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe had approved the council’s application to retain the seized Transit van last month, after it was used to dump waste for the second time.

The council, which has seized vehicles before, decided to have this one crushed to prevent it from being used for flytipping again, and to serve as a deterrent.

By arranging for EMR Blaydon to crush and recycle the van, the authority has also taken an old and unroadworthy vehicle off the roads.

The move was part of Operation Stop It! which is led by the council, Durham police and the Environment Agency. It aims to educate people about their responsibility to dispose of waste correctly and take enforcement action against lawbreakers.

 

Since its launch in September 2014, there has been a 23 per cent fall in flytipping across the county– saving more than £100,000 in clean-up and disposal costs. In the first half of the year, CCTV cameras were deployed in 76 locations, seven flytippers were prosecuted and 15 were issued with fixed penalty notices.

Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “The destruction of this vehicle sends out a clear message that flytipping will not be tolerated in our county.

“Flytipping is a deplorable crime that is a blight to our communities and has a detrimental impact on the environment.

 

“This vehicle has been used to dump waste illegally on more than one occasion but by taking this action, we have ensured it will not be used again.

“We all have a responsibility to look after the environment and the majority of residents and businesses take this duty of care seriously.

“However, if you are considering paying someone to get rid of waste on your behalf, always make sure this person has a valid Waste Carriers’ Licence issued by the Environment Agency.

“Also, don’t be afraid to ask where your waste will be taken. If you don’t, you could find yourself involved in a flytipping investigation.”

To find out more about Operation Stop It! visit durham.gov.uk/flytipping