Check waste carriers are licensed
Dangerous drivers and unlicensed waste carriers were among those targeted as part of a multi-agency operation in Gillingham.
On Thursday 9 March 2023, Medway’s Local Policing Team and Roads Safety Unit teamed up with Medway Council and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) as part of ongoing work to tackle issues caused by illegal waste transfer and dumping, dangerous drivers, and drivers of unroadworthy vehicles.
A series of patrols and 90 stop checks were undertaken in Ambley Road to combat infringements.
Seized
This led to three vehicles, which were shown not to be insured, being seized, as well as one licence being revoked after the driver failed a roadside eye test. A further ten drivers were issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for various breaches of the law, including: driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition, driving without an MOT or tax, illegal tints, bald tyres, or for numberplate offences.
Two drivers were issued Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) notices, whereby they have a deadline to have relevant repairs carried out and endorsed by a tester.
The Environmental Enforcement Officers from Medway Council were able to speak with multiple motorists and offered advice and guidance around waste carrier licences, and also opened an investigation into one driver.
Collaboration
Police Sergeant James Callaghan from Medway’s Local Policing Team said: ‘Our collaboration with partner agencies to clamp down on unsafe vehicles and dangerous drivers means we can improve the safety of road users in Medway. Defects and unapproved modifications might seem harmless but can be the cause of serious road traffic incidents if left unresolved, especially if combined with dangerous driving.
‘What’s more, breaches of waste licensing rules are all too often connected to fly tipping, which impacts the environment and our rural communities. Operations with partner agencies take place regularly across the county and lead to action being taken against those who flout the rules of waste carrying.’
Advice
Anyone considering having waste removed from their property should check the waste carrier they are using is licensed to carry out this activity, or they too could be at risk of a fine. The Environment Agency website has a list of licensed waste carriers.
Anybody with information regarding waste crimes or traffic offences is encouraged to report them at www.kent.police.uk/report, through the Crimestoppers online form or by calling 0800 555 111.