main content Seized burger van owner back in court

The owner of a late night burger van seized outside Bromley South station, has been back at Bromley Magistrates Court, charged with illegal street trading during October last year. Mr Taylan Aktas of Braesyde Close, Belvedere, pleaded guilty to selling food and drink from his burger van without a street trading licence and was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £2,200.

"This is part of our continuing campaign against illegal street traders. Unlicensed vendors, such as late night burger vans, tend to be the focus of trouble in the High Street at night. People can be confident that we will take whatever action is necessary, to keep the town centre free from these problems" said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

As part of routine late night monitoring of Bromley High Street, the Council's Street Services Enforcement Team observed Mr Aktas serving food and drink from his burger van outside "Oddbins" on 15 October 2004. During the twenty minute late night surveillance operation, thirteen people were served from the van until suddenly, everything was quickly packed away. The van left at high speed, just moments before a police vehicle arrived. During the trial on 22 April, Council officers were called as witnesses to give evidence to the Court. Although Mr Atkas chose not to have legal representation in Court, he admitted to trading without a licence and was fined £800 plus £300 costs.

Just two weeks later, Mr Aktas was seen again by Council officers, selling food and drink from his burger van at the same location. This time, one of the Street Services Enforcement Team was able to speak to him, warning that he would be reported for unlicensed street trading. In Court, Mr Aktas also pleaded guilty to the second offence of illegal street trading and was fined £800 and £300 costs.

The Council first prosecuted Mr Aktas for trading without a licence, in May 2000. After being prosecuted a second time, Mr Aktas applied to the Council for a temporary street trading licence. His application was considered at the highest level - by the Executive Portfolio Holder for the Environment - but was refused on the grounds of: numerous complaints from the police and taxi drivers; reports of rodent infestation caused by increased litter from the burger van; the presence of the burger van contributing to late night disorder and the trader's activities hindering the aims of the police and the Council to disperse the public from the town centre after late night establishments had closed.

Having been refused a temporary street trading licence, Mr Aktas continued to break the law by trading from his burger van. The Council had the option to serve a Court injunction on him - which could result in a prison sentence - but instead, with each offence committed, a heavier fine was imposed. When it became clear this wasn't enough to deter Mr Aktas from trading, his burger van was seized. The van has been held since 19 February 2005, at a secure compound, pending a future decision by the Court.

To report illegal late night burger vans, call the Street Services Help Desk on: 020 8313 4621.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The following table shows details of all illegal street trading convictions for Mr Aktas, to date: 

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 e-mail andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901.