Car suspected of use in fly-tipping is seized
bosses against fly-tipping complaints.
One vehicle has already been destroyed while another is waiting to be crushed in a crusade backed by the Sunderland Echo’s Clean Streets campaign.
Councils have powers which allow them to confiscate any vehicle they suspect has been involved in environmental crime or flytipping. Owners can request to claim their vehicle back and local authorities will decide whether it will be returned, crushed or sold.
The latest seizure, on the day that the authority has confirmed plans to reopen its Deptford tip for “essential
waste only” following its pandemic-enforced closure, has prompted the city council to urge residents not to dispose of their waste irresponsibly and to warn that it can and will take action.
Councillor Amy Wilson, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We are continuing to take action against anyone who we suspect is involved in fly-tipping because we know what a damaging impact this can have on communities across our city.
"Where there is evidence to suggest that a vehicle has been involved in flytipping, we have the powers to seize it and follow this up with legal action. If the owner doesn’t come forward within a certain period of time, can result in us using our legal powers to either crush it or sell it.
"I would urge anyone tempted to dump their waste rather than arranging to have it disposed of responsibly to think again.
“It's much cheaper to arrange for a bulky collection through the council for £10 than risk your vehicle being seized if you're caught fly tipping."
To book a bulky collection for up to six items of bulky waste for £10, go to www.sunderland.gov.uk/ bulky-waste