BRADFORD Council joined forces with Leeds counterparts and police from North and West Yorkshire for a stop and search operation last month to tackle illegal waste carriers and fly-tipping.

The joint operation, carried out on Monday, March 21, on Bradford Road, Otley, on the boundary with Bradford and Leeds aimed to identify waste carriers operating in the Bradford and Leeds areas transporting waste without the relevant waste carrier licences and associated documentation.

Checks were carried out by Enforcement Officers from Bradford Council's Environmental Task Force, Leeds City Council’s Serious Environmental Crime Team and teams from West and North Yorkshire Police. The police also checked that vehicles were roadworthy and the drivers had the necessary documents

On the day, 35 vehicles were checked and one vehicle, transporting a large volume of waste, was seized for failing to have a waste carrier’s licence and relevant documentation. A further five vehicles were seized by police for road traffic offences.

Some drivers carrying waste were unaware that they needed a licence and were given advice and warnings by officers. A number of environmental enforcement notices were issued and checks were made to ensure waste was disposed of properly, rather than being dumped on the street or in the countryside.

A spokesperson from the Council's Environmental Task Force said: “We are determined to do all we can to tackle the scourge of illegal fly-tipping and employ all the means at our disposal.

“We aim to carry out further operations with the warning that illegal waste carriers can receive £300 fixed penalty notices. Individuals and businesses found illegally carrying waste could also be prosecuted in court, which could result in custodial sentences, having their vehicles seized and fines that run into thousands of pounds.

“Through a mixture of enforcement and education, we’re hoping that joint working with neighbouring Councils and the Police will encourage waste carriers to ensure they’re above board and legal.”

Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and housing, said: “Fly tipping is a national issue. This a great example of how we work across council boundaries and with colleagues in the Police to confront and tackle those who try to break the law by fly tipping in our communities.”

“I am pleased to see Leeds recently established Serious Environmental Crime Team involved in this successful joint operation and the seizure of vehicles should send a powerful message to those who wrongly believe they won’t be caught.”