News that Enforcement Officers should be able to seize vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping within weeks, thanks to enhanced powers to crack down on waste crime, was welcomed by farmers present at a recent Anglesey NFU Cymru meeting.
The new legislation, expected to be introduced in April, will make it easier for local authorities and Natural Resources Wales to stop, search and seize vehicles suspected of being involved in waste crime.
In addition, the range of offences for which a vehicle can be seized will be widened to include breaches of the waste duty of care, operation of an illegal waste site and carrying controlled waste while unauthorised to do so.
Anglesey NFU Cymru County Chairman, Christine Jones, said, “Fly-tipping is an issue that impacts on the lives and businesses of many farmers in Wales and we believe it is wholly unfair that farmers have to clear up the mess and pick up the bill for waste illegally dumped on their land, therefore the changes suggested should have a positive impact of the incidence of fly-tipping and hopefully act as a deterrent to those who commit such crimes.
“However we need to ensure that these changes do not inadvertently impact members. Farmers who are unaware of their Duty of Care waste carrier responsibilities could get caught by the above enforcements. These changes will need to be clearly communicated and pragmatically enforced by Anglesey and other Local Authorities and Natural Resources Wales.
