An operation aimed at combating unlawful waste removal and scrap metal collection has led to the stopping of illegal vehicles and fines for drivers on the Isle of Sheppey.
Operation Details
Officers from the Rural Task Force collaborated with the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency and Swale england/borough/”>Borough Council as part of this initiative, focusing on suspicious vehicles in Sheerness on Friday, 5 September 2025.
Notable Incidents
A white ford-england/”>ford/”>Ford flatbed Transit was seized on Warden Road after being found unroadworthy, with a cracked chassis, broken lights, and an overweight, unsecured load. The driver received a fine, and a prohibition notice was issued.
In a separate proactive stop on Cromwell Road, a Ford Transit Tipper driver was fined and had his vehicle immobilised for carrying excess weight and displaying an illegal number plate.
Another Ford Transit Tipper was stopped on Brielle Way, where the driver was issued a traffic offence report and prohibited from driving due to two bald tyres and a smashed windscreen.
Statement from Kent Police
Sergeant Darren Walshaw from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force stated: “As part of our work to tackle rural crime—which can have a significant and negative impact on businesses, residents, and visitors in our countryside communities—we conduct regular checks on vehicles carrying waste. Often, the illegal transportation of waste and scrap metal is linked to other forms of criminality, including fly-tipping.”
He added, “We regularly collaborate with councils and other partner agencies to target those operating illegally, and enforcement will continue as we address the criminal disposal of residential and construction waste across our county.”
