A multi-agency operation has sought to clamp down on flytipping.

Chichester District Council joined forces with Sussex Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Environment Agency to stop and check commercial vehicles potentially carrying waste.

Some 14 vehicles were stopped and drivers interviewed, with a number of warnings and prohibitions issued in respect of vehicle defects and unsafe loads.

The operation was one in a series taking place across the country to make sure that commercial organisations are disposing of waste responsibly.

Councillor Jonathan Brown, deputy leader and cabinet member for environmental strategy at Chichester District Council, said: “These joint action days aim to disrupt the activities of those looking to flytip materials in our beautiful district and to ensure that potential flytippers know that there will be consequences.

“Flytipping is an offence that we take very seriously. Not only does it spoil the landscape of our beautiful district, but it also poses an environmental risk and costs more than £350,000 of taxpayers’ money to clear up every year.

“Unfortunately, we have had to clear up some very big flytips in our district recently, including the largest soil flytip we have ever had to deal with in Woodberry Lane, Westbourne.

“This is an issue that we’re keen to tackle, and this successful operation - along with similar events that have been taking place in other parts of the county - is a key part of this.

“By working together, using the powers of all the agencies involved, we are able to be more effective and target areas where we know that there is an issue with flytipping.

“We’re also encouraging residents to help in the fight against this crime. One of the most important ways they can do this is by checking that anyone they employ to remove and dispose of their household waste is licensed as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency.

“By law, we are all responsible for any waste produced on our properties. It means that whether you’ve finished a DIY project, been clearing out unwanted household items or have been sprucing up your garden, it’s down to you to make sure that your waste is disposed of safely and legally.”

If waste is flytipped by someone who is not licensed, people can receive a fixed penalty notice of up to £300 for not disposing of waste properly, with fines for the pension who dumped the waste too.