main content Fly tipping investigation leads to prosecution

An investigation into illegal fly tipping in a Cudham footpath has led to the prosecution of a local man. Darren Chambers of St Mary Cray, failed to exercise a duty of care when he arranged for old car parts to be picked up from his home by scrap dealers, which were later found dumped in a bridleway off Cudham Lane North. After pleading guilty at Bromley Magistrates Court on Friday, he was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1,000.

“Fly tipping is a problem and one that we’re determined to crack. This prosecution sends out a strong message - not only to fly tippers - but to people who blindly get rid of their waste without any consideration for the way in which it’s disposed and the damage it does to our environment. Individuals have a responsibility to make sure their waste is disposed of legally and safely” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

The Court heard that during a routine inspection of the bridleway in Cudham Lane North in March this year, the Council’s Rights of Way Enforcement Officer discovered a large heap of motor vehicle parts. The rubbish - comprising mainly of car batteries, bumpers, seats, tyres and engine and gear box parts - had been dumped in the bridleway and was blocking the entrance to the path.

Investigations eventually revealed that the dumped car parts belonged to Darren Chambers. These had been accumulated - having worked in the motor trade - and left in the front garden of his home, until he could dispose of them. Following an arrangement with an unlicensed contractor to pick the items up for scrap, they were later found dumped in the bridleway off Cudham Lane North.

Waste of any type - whether it’s from car parts, household rubbish or building work - must only be disposed of by a registered waste carrier. To get rid of non-domestic waste legally and safely, skip companies or the Council’s bulky waste collection service can be used.

Individuals are responsible for checking that any third party disposing of their waste is licensed to do so. If in doubt, the advice is to ask to see an Environment Agency certificate as proof of registration, which all legitimate waste carriers will have. Anyone found using an unlicensed contractor to remove waste which is then dumped, risks prosecution for fly tipping and is liable for removal costs.

Fly tipping is a criminal offence and anyone witnessing fly tipping in progress is advised to call the police immediately on 999. Under the Council’s Environment Reward Scheme, anyone giving information leading to the successful prosecution of fly tippers or other enviro-crime offenders, could receive a reward of up to £500. Call the Customer Service Centre with your information or reports of dumped rubbish on 020 8313 4557.

ENDS 

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