9 May 2008, 08/100
Council says no to wagon waste
"Stop waste blowing off your vehicle" is the warning from West
Lancashire District Council following the successful prosecution of
an irresponsible wagon company.
Acumen Distribution Limited, who have a local depot in
Simmonswood, was hit for £5,600 after they were caught failing to
secure the waste on their vehicles and allowing the litter to
scatter all over the district’s pretty countryside.
Up until July 2007, the wagons had not been netted properly and
paper, cans and other recycling waste fell off the wagons, giving
rise to large amounts of litter, which prompted numerous
complaints.
After investigating the issue and interviewing the company, the
Council was assured that it would not happen again. However, when
the Council's Street Scene Officers visited the area, materials
fell off the wagon and nearly hit their vehicle too.
As a result the company was prosecuted on the 24 April at
Ormskirk Magistrates. Under section 34 of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990, waste handlers must take all reasonable
measures to prevent the escape of waste in their control. The
company pleaded guilty to three offences and was fined £4,000 and
forced to pay the Council's costs of £1,596.70, with a victim
surcharge of £15.
Dave Tilleray, Executive Manager for Community Services, said:
"Yet again the Council has successfully taken action to try to
ensure the cleanliness of the district. Proving the company were
not doing what they should was difficult, but the level of the fine
demonstrates how seriously the magistrates took this case. The
message this sends out is quite clear and we will not hesitate to
take action again if necessary."
Related information
> Refuse
and recycling
> Environment