Hefty fine for unlicensed waste carrier

09-Feb-2010

Today (9 February), John Davis of Smite Caravan Site, Pershore Lane, Hindlip, Worcester, pleaded guilty at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court to one charge related to carrying scrap metals illegally.

The 27-year-old could have easily avoided the charge by registering as a waste carrier at a cost of £152 for three years. Anyone that carries controlled waste for profit is required to do so.

For the Environment Agency, Kiran Cassini told the court that on 27 May 2009 a police motorcyclist of the West Mercia Force Road Police Unit observed a vehicle carrying an assortment of scrap metals on the A456 Stourbridge Road, Hagley. The scrap included motor vehicle panels, a dish washer and a gas fire. The vehicle was stopped and the driver identified himself as John Davis and confirmed he was not registered as a waste carrier. Mr Davis also told the police that he was aware of the need to have a waste carrier certificate.

The Environment Agency then contacted Mr Davis advising him to register as a waste carrier and he was sent an application pack. However, Mr Davis still failed to make the application. Checks were made by the Environment Agency which found, to date, there is no record of Mr Davis having registered.

Speaking after the case Pete Yeomans, an Environment Agency officer involved in the investigation said: “This sends a clear message to all those scrap metal dealers continuing to carry waste without being registered that they risk being caught, brought before the courts and heavily penalised.  We work in close partnership with the police to ensure anyone carrying waste operates within the law. “

In mitigation, Mr Davis told the Court that he was sorry for his actions and that he would be making an application to register straight away. 

The charges were brought by the Environment Agency under Section 1(1) & (5) of the Control of Pollution Act (Amendment Act) 1989. Mr Davis was fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £500, along with a £15 victim surcharge.