Council enforcement officers were last week authorised to inspect waste transfer notices at the premises of businesses suspected of fly-tipping in the London borough.
Those unable to produce a valid transfer notice will be prosecuted under the new powers. The inspections, sanctioned following a recent pan-London conference on environmental policy, will be carried out by environmental officers and street wardens.
Council officials are confident the measures will have a stemming effect on the current problem of industrial waste disposal. Councillor Richard Thomas, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’re pleased to be granted these enforcement powers because we know it’s going to improve our effectiveness in cleaning up the borough. There is still a long way to go, but the conference proved how far we can go by working together with Government and local people.”
Street wardens are currently ensuring that businesses are informed and aware of the fresh implications. The powers, which are expected to be greeted with public support, have been issued indefinitely by the government.
Southwark Council hopes to extend the powers to include spot-checks on waste in transfer by the end of 2003.
Register for free to comment