Fly-tipping costs local authorities thousands of pounds to clear up

Officials from Maidstone Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Kent Police joined forces on Tuesday in the crackdown on illegal fly-tippers.

Checks were carried out at Detling and Bluebell Hill on the condition of vehicles and the drivers' credentials.

Offenders face possible imprisonment and a fine of up to �20,000.

Three-year licence

Council leader Mick Stevens said the checks sent out the message that if people came to Maidstone with the aim of fly-tipping, they would get caught.

"Fly-tipping is on the increase and local people are fed up with the eyesore created by illegally dumped waste.

"As well as being unsightly, illegal waste can be dangerous, both to residents and to our environment," he said.

The operation was the second carried out by Maidstone Borough Council this year.

Following Operation Lasso in the spring, 10 people are facing prosecution for waste-carrying violations.

Anyone taking away another person's waste, including tradesmen such as builders, must be registered with the Environment Agency.

A licence for three years costs �130, but failure to register as a waste-carrier can incur a fine of up to �5,000.