Massive Crackdown on Fly-Tipping in Gravesend and Dartford
Four agencies teamed up on Tuesday 3 August 2021 for a major blitz targeting illegal waste dumping in Gravesend and Dartford. The joint patrols and stop checks led to eight vehicles being seized, many suspected of involvement in fly-tipping.
Hit Squad Seizes Suspicious Vehicles
Kent Police’s Inspector Sarah Rivett slammed fly-tipping as “an unacceptable nuisance and a danger to public safety.” She said the force works closely with local councils and the Environment Agency to tackle this blight.
“We simply will not turn a blind eye to the detrimental impact it has on our communities,” said Rivett. “This day of action has caused considerable disruption to those involved in fly-tipping offences. Members of the public can expect to see similar operations in the future.”
In Gravesend alone, Kent Police’s Rural Task Force seized seven untaxed vehicles linked to a single individual in the Springhead Road area. Three of these vehicles contained large amounts of builders’ waste, hinting at their fly-tipping connection.
Dartford Clampdown: Vehicles Checked and Fined
Meanwhile, in Dartford, a vehicle checkpoint on Manor Way by the Community Policing Team stopped 16 vehicles. A Renault Master van was seized after the driver was found to have no insurance and received a traffic offence report. A Mercedes Sprinter driver got slapped with a fine for carrying commercial waste without a proper licence.
Later patrols in the Thames Road area stopped four more vehicles. Two Mercedes Sprinters received warnings from the Environment Agency for failing to produce a waste carrier licence.
Gravesham Council Vows Zero Tolerance
Cllr John Burden, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said:
“Environmental crime is high on residents’ concerns. We have a zero-tolerance approach and work closely with Kent Police and the Environment Agency to take action.
“Our fight involves proactive operations like this one and thorough investigations of fly-tips to catch offenders.”
“The message is clear: if you damage our environment, we will find you and take action.”
This massive enforcement day confirms authorities are cracking down hard on fly-tippers across Kent – so fly-tippers beware.
