Van seized on suspicion of being involved in fly-tipping

On Friday 16 June, a significant amount of commercial and household waste was found dumped adjacent to the Nissan plant at Washington Road.

Following a thorough investigation, Sunderland City Council's Environmental Enforcement Officers seized a Ford Transit pickup truck believed to have been used for the fly-tip on Wednesday 19 July in Pallion.

This follows similar seizures where vehicles believed to have been used in fly-tipping were removed from outside addresses and this is the 13^th van seized since the policy was introduced in 2019.

Councils have powers which allow them to confiscate any vehicle they suspect has been involved in environmental crime or fly-tipping.

Owners may then request to claim their vehicle back and if a decision is made not to return the vehicle this could result in the vehicle being crushed or sold.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and cabinet member for clean, green city, said: "Fly-tipping is not only anti-social but illegal and I hope this latest seizure acts as a stark warning to anyone tempted to fly-tip.

"Our residents tell us they feel really strongly about fly-tipping. It can be a real blight on communities, so where we come across evidence that a vehicle may have been used for fly-tipping, we use our legal powers to seize it.

"I'd like to thank everyone who helps to keep our city clean and disposes of their rubbish properly, but also remind anyone planning to use a private waste collector to make the proper checks first so that they don't unwittingly fall victim to fly-tippers.

"Not doing this could result in your having to pick up the bill if the collector you've used goes on to dump your waste elsewhere."

Anyone planning to use a private waste collector should check with the Environment Agency that the person or company concerned has a licence by visiting Access the public register for environmental information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or by calling them on 08708 506 506.

If you witness fly-tipping you can report it anonymously at Fly tipping - Sunderland City Council or by calling 0191 520 5550.