Sunderland officers seize two vehicles suspected of fly-tipping as part of crackdown

Two vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping have been seized in Sunderland.

An adapted Ford Transit flatbed truck was seized by Sunderland City Council enforcement officers as part of ongoing work against fly-tippers in the Easington Lane area. It was taken away on November 8 shortly before 10am in Thirlmere Crescent, Shiney Row.

Previously, on October 27, a Ford transit flatbed was seized in Hetton. Both vehicles are suspected of being used to dispose of waste unlawfully at the former Frosterley Close site (known as the Cosy), in Easington Lane. Further enquiries about the two vehicles and their owners are continuing.

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The seizures are part of the ongoing HALO (Hetton Aspirations Linking Opportunities) Project, which also covers Easington Lane, which also includes Northumbria Police, Gentoo, and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

The latest seizure is the 30th vehicle the council has confiscated on suspicion of involvement in fly-tipping since August 2019. Of these, subsequent investigations have led to 17 vehicles being destroyed or sold and others returned to their owners.

Under current legislation, councils have the power to confiscate any vehicle suspected of involvement in environmental crime such as fly-tipping. Owners may request the return of their vehicle, but the council will decide on a case-by-case basis. If a decision is made not to return a vehicle, it may be crushed or sold.

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Coun Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland's cabinet member for the environment, transport and Net Zero, said: "Fly-tipping blights neighbourhoods and is unacceptable. Householders also have a 'duty of care' to ensure that their waste is disposed of legally by private collectors. Please check details if using them as if your waste is dumped you could be picking up a big bill."

Anyone planning to use a private waste collector should check with the Environment Agency that the person, or company concerned, has a valid waste carrier licence. More information is provided here. If you witness fly-tipping you can report it anonymously by calling 0191 520 5550.