Enforcement officers from Walsall Council sweeped into Bescot Road on the morning of 26th July and seized a vehicle that had been used to commit environmental crime.

The seized vehicle is a white Transit van, which had been identified by the Council’s CCTV as involved in two incidents of fly-tipping on Woodwards Road in May 2024. The vehicle’s owner now faces prosecution under Section 110 of the Environment Act 1995 for intentionally obstructing an authorised officer. Additionally, they will be charged for both fly-tipping offences.

The captured footage revealed that the driver had deposited two substantial loads of waste on two occasions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for community cleanliness and environmental regulations.

Newly-appointed leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry, said: “A few weeks ago I announced a clear leadership plan for Walsall – one of my pledges was to continue the battle against fly-tipping taking a zero-tolerance approach to all those who bring grime on our Borough. This morning’s operation sends a clear message that Walsall Council will not tolerate environmental crimes such as fly-tipping. 

“Our community deserves to live in a cleaner and greener environment, and we are committed to taking strong action against those who undermine this. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to prosecute offenders and protect our neighbourhoods.”

A spokesman for Walsall Council stated: “Walsall Council remains steadfast in its efforts to combat such illegal activities and will continue to take rigorous action against offenders. This operation forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a clean and safe community”.

The Council recently reported that fly-tipping costs the local taxpayers approximately £500,000 a year in clean up costs. Since June 2022, the Council has taken action on over 900 occasions.

Fly-tippping is a criminal offence and can lead to a maximum conviction of 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine.