Photo shows officers from Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Kent Police hold a road check in Folkestone as part of the joint waste carrier operation.
Anyone removing waste, including scrap metal, tyres and building materials from properties and businesses across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh must ensure they are licensed to do so.
The reminder comes after 45 drivers of waste carriers were stopped at road checks in Folkestone and Lydd earlier this month in a joint operation by Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s Community Safety Unit and Kent Police.
As well as ensuring that waste is properly disposed of, the police and council officers were also checking for any high-value metal, particularly from car catalytic converters, following a rise in thefts across Kent. In addition vehicles were checked for adequate insurance and for having no smoking signs in cabs.
Ten drivers were reminded of the need to carry waste disposal licences with them during journeys. Two had not applied for a licence and each was issued with a fixed penalty notice and £300 fine. In addition fixed penalty notices and £200 fines were issued to three drivers who had failed to display no smoking signs in vehicles.
An F&HDC spokesperson said: “Too many drivers stopped needed to be reminded of their obligations as carriers of scrap metal and for those without a licence it was an expensive error. We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure that metal and other waste is disposed of properly and in accordance with the law.”
Insp Andy Brittenden of the Folkestone & Hythe Community Safety Unit said: “Kent Police is taking every opportunity to pursue those who are involved in the theft of catalytic converters and bring them before the courts.
“Working with partner agencies and engaging with scrap metal dealers in this way makes it easier for officers to trace sellers of stolen metal and also identify any dealers who may be operating illegally.”
Anyone carrying scrap metal has to be registered with a local authority. For more information go to www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/licensing/other-licences-and-permits/scrap-metal-dealers