Kent Police Crack Down on Fly-Tippers and Illegal Waste Carriers
Kent Police’s Rural Taskforce teamed up with Dartford and Gravesham councils on Tuesday 29 November 2022 to target illegal waste carriers and fly-tippers. Their operation uncovered stolen vehicles, untaxed trucks, and drivers without proper licences – all linked to waste disposal offences.
Stolen Van and Illegal Waste Truck Seized
Police stopped a Ford Transit van on the A225 near Horton Kirby carrying fake number plates. The van was stolen from 1 two months ago. The two occupants – a 20-year-old from Kettering and a 22-year-old from Dartford – were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft. The younger man also faces charges over East Anglia burglaries and thefts.
In Dartford’s High Road, a truck loaded with garden waste was stopped. The driver received a fixed penalty for lacking a waste carrier’s licence, while the vehicle was seized for no road tax or valid MOT.
More Vehicles Nabbed for Waste Offences
- A flatbed lorry carrying waste on Watling Street was seized due to being untaxed.
- A driver caught in Devonshire Road received a traffic offence report for failing to tax his vehicle.
Officials Warn: Fly-Tipping Harms Communities
“Those removing garden, household and building waste without a valid carrier’s licence are likely involved in fly-tipping. This blights communities, risks public safety and costs a fortune to clear up,” said Sergeant Darren Walshaw.
“We’ll keep up checks across north Kent. Waste carriers must have proper documentation and roadworthy vehicles. Residents hiring tradespeople should verify licences too.”
Gravesham Borough Council’s Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox added: “We’re proud to work with Kent Police to track down environmental criminals. If you get rubbish removed, check they hold a waste carrier’s licence. Fly-tippers risk fines – and so do you.”
“Gravesham is beautiful, and we won’t tolerate fly-tipping. Since September 2020, our Environmental Enforcement Team has made over 697 enforcements, including prosecutions.”
Council Leader Jeremy Kite said: “Operation Assist remains a powerful joint effort to stop fly-tipping and illegal waste carriers across Dartford’s urban and rural areas.”
“This latest bust shows we’re catching criminals from other parts of the UK. Our message is clear: your illegal rubbish business is not welcome here.”
