Two vehicles have been seized under new powers brought in by Bolton Council to tackle fly-tipping in the area.

The vehicles, which Town Hall chiefs, said were used to fly-tip, were seized in the first week of the newly adopted strategy to combat waste crime.

Bolton Council is authorised to seize vehicles being used for waste crimes such as fly-tipping or if the vehicle is being used by an unregistered waste carrier.

Both registered keepers of the vehicles will now be prosecuted and, if convicted, the council will take ownership of the vehicles under the new rules.     

These powers are under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

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Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “Rogue waste carriers operate by charging residents for the collection of black bags, house clear-outs and garden cleaning services before fly-tipping the waste.

 “Fly-tipping blights communities and this council is committed to eradicating waste crime from our borough. 

One of the vans that was seizedOne of the vans that was seized (Image: Bolton Council)  “The seizure of vehicles is another way to deter persistent offenders.

 “I also want to remind residents of their legal duty to ensure if they pay someone to remove their waste, that they have a license to do so.

 “Using an unlicensed waste carrier can land residents with a £600 fine.”    

 Waste removal companies must have a licence.

This can be checked by searching online for the ‘Register of Waste Carriers, brokers and dealers’.

In recent years Bolton Council have introduced tougher powers to deal with fly-tipping in Bolton.

This includes raising fines for littering were raised from £150 to £300 and from £400 to £600 for fly-tipping. 

And the registered owner of a vehicle will be liable for the fine if litter is seen being dropped out from a moving or parked car ­- currently the local authority can only issue if the person responsible for littering is identified.