Operation Peregrine gets a grip on its first four wheeled fly-tipping criminal

Lancaster City Council’s Operation Peregrine fly-tipping campaign rolled out its new powers this month to seize, impound and crush vehicles it suspects of being involved in fly-tipping.

Fly-tippers can now expect to have their vehicles seized and crushed as part of an investigation if enough evidence has been gathered that it has been involved in a waste related crime.

A van that was seized earlier this year as part of a fly-tipping investigation ended its journey at a local scrap yard recently when the operators of the vehicle, which the council suspected of being involved in fly-tipping, failed to provide the relevant ownership documents within the time period specified.

If the owner or drivers of the vehicle are unable to produce the relevant documentation within 15 working days, the vehicle can be sold or destroyed. 

Coun Brendan Hughes, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said:  “This sends out a strong message that we’re not afraid to take tough action against anyone involved in this disgusting crime.

“Clean and safe neighbourhoods are a priority for the council and by taking the most important tool of the fly-tipping trade away from them, we’re helping to protect the environment and to keep our district clean and green.”

Householders and businesses are also reminded that they have a duty of care to ensure they check the legitimacy of who was taking their waste if they’d rather their rubbish end up on a licensed site, not a layby, and avoid a knock on the door and a fine of up to £5,000.

If you want to join the council in its battle to rid the district of fly tipping and can offer any information which might lead to an offender being identified and caught, please call Lancaster City Council Customer Services on 01524 582491, email customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk  or use the online reporting form at www.lancaster.gov.uk/fly-tipping

Last updated: 31 July 2018