FLY tipping in Maldon has been dealt a blow by police and council officers in an operation to stop the rogue practice.

Sixty-eight vehicles were stopped by Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team and Maldon District Council in Operation Fume in the town yesterday (Wednesday, 22 September), with two seized for no insurance, two caught speeding and another two requested to produce a waste transfer certificate.

The operation comes as it was revealed that the council dealt with a whopping 204 fly-tipping incidents from January to June, clearing up 98 per cent of them within 24 hours.

Richard Holmes, Director or Service Delivery at Maldon District Council, said: "The Council's community engagement advisors were once again delighted to work with Essex Police and HMRC on a joint operation called Operation Fume. This operation was aimed at reducing fly tipping and checking waste carrier licenses. Joint operations such as these are a great deterrent to those who think they can illegally fly-tip or operate without a waste carriers' licence.

"Fly tipping and littering is an offence which costs thousands to clear up every year. Offenders can be issued with a £400 fixed penalty notice, fined up to £50,000 (unlimited fine if Crown Court) and /or receive five years imprisonment."

And Mr Holmes warned unwitting residents of the dangers of letting rogue traders take their rubbish away.

He added: "If residents unwittingly use a rogue trader to transport their waste and it is illegally dumped, they could end up with a fine of £200 or prosecution in court. All waste carriers should be registered with the Environment Agency - if you use a trader to remove your waste, ask to see their waste carrier registration number.

"It is illegal for them to take your waste if they don't have a permit and you could face a fine of up to £5,000.

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"The council is keen to ensure that our District is not targeted by those who wish to use it as a dumping ground and we will do everything within our power to catch the culprits and make them pay for their actions. However, successful prosecutions rely heavily upon people coming forward with evidence and intelligence."

Members of the public can report fly tipping here or by calling 01621 854477.