Throughout the operation, over 35 officers from the partnership inspected 21 waste sites located across West Cumbria, the EA said. Simultaneously, they subjected 49 vehicles to thorough checks to ensure they were both taxed and roadworthy.
The operation brought together officers from various authorities, including the Environment Agency, Cumbria Police, Cumberland council, Trading Standards, DVSA, and the DVLA to inspect waste sites and conduct stop checks on road users to ensure the lawful transportation of waste to licensed sites.
‘Illegal activity’
John Bunn, regulated team leader for the Environment Agency said: “We are determined to make life hard for criminals by disrupting and stopping illegal activity through tough enforcement action.
“The targeted day of partnership action in West Cumbria has shown that at least three waste companies have been operating outside their agreed permits. This is unacceptable and causes significant risks to the environment and impacts local communities. ”
Vehicle
The agency reported that Cumberland council issued 13 enforcement notices. Additionally, the agency said three individuals were found with illegal number plates, and six warning letters were issued to number plate suppliers. One person was arrested for failing a roadside drug swab, the EA added.
On the vehicle front, the agency stated that five untaxed vehicles were clamped, and four were reported for being untaxed. Further safety concerns emerged as one vehicle and one trailer were found to have defective tires and received immediate prohibitions, rendering them unfit for road use, according to the agency.
Additionally, the agency reported two vehicles were prohibited due to defects related to suspension and the drive shaft.
Mark Parish, DVSA’s traffic enforcement manager for Carlisle, added: “DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles. Working closely with the Environment Agency and other partners is an efficient use of public resources.
“By sharing intelligence and working on operations together, we’ll help keep Cumbria’s roads safer.”
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