A DELIVERY driver has been ordered to pay £4,560 after admitting fly-tipping on a public highway.

Wiltshire Council pursued Luke Poulton, of Yeates Field View, Warminster, as part of its zero-tolerance crackdown on the issue.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to fly-tipping at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Monday, October 9. He was also issued a separate fine of £135 to cover the clean-up costs.

Poulton had been paid £50 each by two Westbury residents to collect and dispose of rubbish lawfully.

Instead of disposing the rubbish at a commercial tip, the waste was fly-tipped on land off Short Street, in Chapmanslade.

Waste dumped at Chapmanslade, near Frome. Picture: Wiltshire Council

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport and Street Scene, said: “Fly-tipping is not just unsightly but potentially damaging to the environment and wildlife, and is a criminal offence, one which we take very seriously here in Wiltshire.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and, as part of our Business Plan commitment, have invested significant funds into extra enforcement officers and technologies including covert cameras. As this prosecution shows, we will take action.”

The council said everyone has a legal duty of care to ensure their household or business waste is disposed of correctly.

If people are using a waste clearance service, they should:
• Check they have a valid upper tier waste carrier licence.
• Note their waste carriers licence number
• Get a receipt or waste transfer note.
• Record the vehicle details e.g. registration number and note a description of the people involved.
• Ask for details of where their waste will be taken.

People can check a Waste Carriers’ Licence on the Government website Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers. People can also report fly-tipping online, or by calling 0300 456 0100.

Waste dumped at Chapmanslade, near Frome. Picture: Wiltshire Council