Warminster delivery driver issued heavy fine for fly-tipping in Wiltshire countryside

A delivery driver from Warminster has been issued with a £4560 fine, including costs, for fly-tipping on a public highway, as Wiltshire Council continues its zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping.

Luke Poulton, 30, of Yeates Field View, Warminster pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Monday 9 October. He was also issued a separate fine of £135 to cover the clean-up costs.

Mr Poulton had been paid £50 each by two Westbury residents to collect and dispose of rubbish lawfully. Instead of disposing the rubbish at a commercial tip, the waste was fly-tipped on land off of Short Street in Chapmanslade.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport and Street Scene, said "Fly-tipping is not just unsightly but potentially damaging to the environment and wildlife, and is a criminal offence, one which we take very seriously here in Wiltshire.

 "We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and, as part of our Business Plan commitment, have invested significant funds into extra enforcement officers and technologies including covert cameras. As this prosecution shows, we will take action."

Everyone has a legal duty of care to ensure their household or business waste is disposed of correctly. If people are using a waste clearance service, they should:

• Check they have a valid upper tier waste carrier licence.
• Note their waste carriers licence number
• Get a receipt or waste transfer note.
• Record the vehicle details e.g. registration number and note a description of the people involved.
• Ask for details of where their waste will be taken.

People can check a Waste Carriers' Licence on the Government website Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers (opens new window)

People can report fly-tipping online at MyWilts online reporting, or by calling 0300 456 0100.