Man fined for illegally carrying scrap metal

A LLANELLI man has been prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council for illegally carrying scrap metal.

Michael Anthony Murphy, aged 21, of Penybryn Caravan Site, Llwynhendy, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and The Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 by Carmarthen magistrates.

The court heard that police and council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in Llanelli on May 14 last year as part of a joint operation targeting scrap metal dealers.

They stopped a van on the coastal link road which was carrying a cooker, fridge, computer related items, wire fencing and a television.

The officers spoke to the driver and asked if he was registered with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier, to which he replied no. He was then asked if he had any waste transfer notes for the scrap on the vehicle. He said that he did know what they were.

Murphy was cautioned and told that the matter would be referred to the council’s legal department for consideration of prosecution.

Murphy was fined a total of £220 (£110 for each offence) and ordered to pay £203.44 prosecution costs by magistrates as well as a £15 victim surcharge.

The council hopes this case will now act as a warning to others and help prevent the illegal transport of waste which often results in fly-tipping.

Officers also work closely with the police, through the Community Safety Partnership, to tackle metal thefts.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “All businesses that carry waste, including scrap merchants, skip companies, builders and gardeners, must have a waste carriers licence. They must also make sure they have the correct paperwork for all the waste they carry and only use licensed waste sites to dispose of their rubbish.

“Hopefully this fine will help to get the message across that anyone caught illegally transporting waste will be prosecuted.”