Crackdown on scrap licences in Mansfield

Image of Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams

Days of action to crack down on illegal commercial waste carriers are to be held following the success of an operation in Mansfield.

Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams has praised a police-led day of action which gave Mansfield District Council a chance to check the licences of scrap collectors operating in the district.

A variety of trade vehicles were stopped by police in Mansfield last month and then checked over at the council's Hermitage Lane depot.

It was part of a multi-agency blitz called Operation Tramlines, a national campaign which targets commercial vehicles.

Council Licensing officers focused on checking the credentials of scrap metal collectors after reports that some were operating without the necessary scrap metal dealer licence in the district.

The police also checked the weight and roadworthiness of vehicles and the Department of Work and Pensions checked that people were not carrying out paid work while claiming benefits.

One vehicle was impounded by the police for being overweight. 

No licensing offences were identified on the day among the six scrap metal collectors checked but advice was given to them about  the licences required to collect scrap in the district.

Mayor Andy said: "I have had reports of scrap metal collectors operating unlawfully in Mansfield so I am pleased this day of action was held and that it yielded some results.

"I wanted these checks to be carried out to ensure that scrap metal dealers operating with licences did not lose out with customers giving their scrap metal to illegal operators.

"The day of action demonstrated partnership working at its best. All the agencies involved felt it was very useful and effective so more days are planned in the near future. 

"Even though no evidence was revealed to show Mansfield district vehicles were operating without scrap dealer licences, the intelligence we gather from them is shared afterwards to help our Licensing team maintain compliance.

"It was also interesting to note that three applications for licences were received in the days following this action."

Inspector Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield, said: “Whilst the vast majority of people involved in these activities are operating within the law, we do know that there are some unscrupulous individuals around who are fleecing customers and committing serious environmental offences.

"These checks are designed not only to catch-out rogue operators, but also to protect the public and give them greater confidence.”
 
The council advises residents needing to dispose of waste to always check that their collector has a waste carrier's licence. This helps to deter fly tipping and safeguard them against the possibility of prosecution if their waste is subsequently found to be fly tipped.

Customers can check if a carrier is licenced using a vehicle registration number and business name at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs website (link opens in new window).

More details about applying for a waste carrier licence can be found on the government's website (link opens in new window).

Details about applying for a scrap metal dealer licence can be found on the council website (link opens in new window).

Published: November 16th 2022