A PUBLIC tip-off led to a van that had been used for dumping waste in Bradford being seized.

The tipper van had been seen fly-tipping large amounts of commercial and domestic waste which had to be removed by cleansing staff at a “significant cost” to the council.

On several occasions the dumped material, including tyres and construction waste, had caused an obstruction on roads and disruption to local businesses, a council spokesperson said. The vehicle had also been linked to cases where elderly people had been exploited and over-charged for waste removal.

The vehicle had been caught on camera several times but council enforcement officers were unable to identify the registered keeper as the driver kept covering up the registration plate to avoid detection.

Thanks to an anonymous tip-off and work by the CCTV team and partners, council staff were eventually able to identify the registration number and location of the vehicle.

With help from the police, council staff seized the van from outside an address in Wyke.

Those involved in the fly-tipping have been identified and the council will be looking to prosecute the offenders. The maximum penalty upon conviction is an unlimited fine or up to five years in prison.

Rubbish dumped using the van also contained evidence of its origin so householders who took the opportunity to get rid of rubbish on the cheap with an unregistered carrier could also find themselves in trouble.

Changes in environmental legislation now allow councils to seize vehicles that are being used in fly-tipping or transporting waste without a licence.

Bradford Council will now have to advertise for the owner of the vehicle to come forward.

If the registered keeper does not come forward within 15 days the van will be disposed of, either by selling or crushing.

In November 2016, Bradford Council crushed a van after it had been used for fly-tipping. The owner was later traced and prosecuted for the offences. Another van was seized and is still in the possession of Bradford Council.

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Councillor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for Environment, Sport and Culture, said: “We want to send a loud and clear message to fly-tippers that we are determined to catch and prosecute them.

“Our greatest allies in this battle are members of the public. If anyone sees fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the council.

“We would also strongly advise residents to make sure they get rid of their waste with a legitimate licensed carrier, otherwise they could find themselves in trouble if it is subsequently fly-tipped and traced back to them.”

Fly-tipping can be reported by calling Bradford Council 01274 431000 or online at bradford.gov.uk. People can check whether contractors taking away their rubbish have a Waste Carriers’ Licence on the Public Register on the Environment Agency website.