Random checks for waste lorries

Lorries transporting waste through Staffordshire have been subjected to random checks by the district council and Environment Agency.

Vehicles were directed to the Poplars waste site Cannock where they were checked by police, environment officers, trading standards and Cannock Chase District Council staff. Checks were part of an exercise by the Staffordshire fly tipping forum. Paperwork was checked to ensure waste was carried legally and was destined for a licensed disposal site.

In addition council street wardens handed out leaflets to members of the public using the landfill site to ask for their help in the crackdown on fly-tipping.

The council's smoke-free officer also advised drivers of the new smoking in work vehicles legislation.

Members of the public were asked to ensure that only licensed waste carriers take waste from their homes and were given a freephone number to call to check this – 0800 807060.

They were also encouraged to report any fly-tipping incidents to the council in confidence.

A number of vehicles were checked on main arterial roads in the district.

One had no waste carrier licence which the Environment Agency is now investigating and five carrier application packs were handed out.

Environment leader Councillor Tony Williams said: "Staffordshire Fly Tipping Forum's enforcement initiative was important as it sends out the message that we will are vigilant in ensuring vehicles carrying trade waste are properly licensed.

"We have a zero tolerance policy to fly-tipping which is illegal, anti-social and costly to the council taxpayers of the district."