Cumberland Council targets waste crime in joint operation
Council collaborates with police and DVSA against illegal waste activity
Cumberland Council has joined forces with Cumbria Constabulary and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in a targeted operation to combat illegal waste activity.
This measure comes in response to growing national concern about waste-related crimes.
The operation focused on vehicles capable of carrying waste, with officers directing selected vehicles to a designated inspection area for thorough checks.
Cumberland Council has reported receiving numerous complaints and intelligence related to waste crime, including issues like fly-tipping and unfair competition for legitimate businesses.
These activities threaten community safety and the environment.
Inspections during the operation included the assessment of transported waste's type and condition, validation of waste carrier registration and transfer documentation, driver licensing and compliance checks, vehicle safety inspections, and ensuring DVSA compliance.
Emphasising a no-tolerance stance, Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, spoke out against waste crime.
She said, "Illegal waste activity damages our environment, undermines legitimate businesses and has a direct impact on our communities."
Sergeant David Styth of Cumbria Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit highlighted the importance of such operations in road safety.
He said, "In Cumbria, our priority is to make our roads safer, and operations such as this are an opportunity to engage with drivers as well as take dangerous vehicles off our roads."
Marian Kitson, DVSA Director of Enforcement, praised the partnership approach.
She stated, “DVSA’s priority is to keep everyone protected from unsafe vehicles and drivers."
This effort is part of Cumberland Council’s larger initiative to tackle environmental crime and bolster legitimate waste operators.
Community members are encouraged to report suspected waste crime via the council's website to aid in future enforcement actions.