Stop-and-search bid to tackle fly-tippers

Feb 27 2008 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo

Stop-and-search bid to tackle fly-tippers

THREE hundred tyres, gas cylinders and four tons of other waste were removed from the coast road between Cardiff and Newport.

Police and council officials stopped and searched vehicles they believed could be used by fly-tippers to carry rubbish for illegal dumping.

Some of those quizzed were unable to show their waste collector’s licence and they have until Monday to produce the documents or they will be prosecuted.

Cardiff council’s executive member for environment, Councillor Simon Wakefield, said: “As well as removing fly-tipped waste, Cardiff council will continue to work with the relevant authorities to gather intelligence on those who persist on ruining our environment at great cost to the taxpayer.

“By working together we can ensure that the minority who are fly-tipping are caught and put out of business.”

The area was targeted by South Wales Police, Cardiff and Newport councils, the Environment Agency and the Caldicot and Wentloog Drainage Board, because of its reputation as a fly-tipping hot spot.

The road is popular with illegal dumpers because it is quiet and has several lay-bys.

The third route between Cardiff and Newport – after the A48 and M4/A48(M) – it is flanked by farms and industrial vehicles. As a result pick-up trucks and flat-bed lorries do not normally attract attention.

Coun Wakefield said: “All householders can dispose of household waste through the council’s bulky household waste collection or at any of the household waste recycling centres at Lamby Way, Wedal Road or Hadfield Close.

“If residents use a commercial contractor to remove waste from their home they should ensure the company is a registered waste carrier by recording their company name and their unique waste carrier’s licence number which can then be checked by contacting the Environment Agency.”

The council urged anyone witnessing fly-tipping to note the dumper’s description, time, place, vehicle number plate and the type of waste.

They should call the non-emergency number 101 or Connect 2 Cardiff on 029 2087 2087.

ben.glaze@mediawales.co.uk