POLICE arrested a man 3-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit while helping local officials to crack down on fly-tippers.

A day of action against vehicles illegally carrying waste in Bracknell was organised by the Public Protection Partnership last week.

The aim of the operation, conducted around the Bagshot Road area of Bracknell, was to spot check vehicles transporting waste to make sure drivers had the correct licences, vehicles were not overloaded and to penalise those who were breaking the law.

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It was also hoped those pulled over could be educated about vehicle loaded weights and best practice for transporting waste.

Of the vehicles checked, all bar two were issued some form of penalty notice.

Officers from Bracknell Forest Council, the Public Protection Partnership, DVLA and TVP were present

Officers from Bracknell Forest Council, the Public Protection Partnership, DVLA and TVP were present

This meant 15 drivers were handed fines.

Four vehicles did not have a licence to carry waste.

Other results from the day of action included:

  • 1 driver who was arrested was 3 ½ times over the legal drink driving limit and also had no insurance or mot on his van
  • 1 vehicle seized for no insurance
  • 15 fixed penalty notices issued
  • 4 vehicles transporting waste without waste carriers licence
  • 4 vehicle drivers were served notices by Drivers Standards Agency and had to remain on site until defects were rectified
  • A licenced waste carrier who’s vehicle was 1 tonne overweight, and was also required to have 3 of the vehicles 6 tyres replaced
  • A large flatbed vehicle carrying turf that was 30 per cent overweight

Councillor John Harrison, Bracknell Forest’s public protection chief, said: “It is good to see officers from various agencies working together to protect our communities.

“The Council is committed to reducing the harm caused by the failure to comply with legislation controlling waste.

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“This multi-agency day is part of our wider strategy to do so which also includes public engagement and where appropriate legal action against fly-tippers and others that transgress the law.”

PC Roslyn Bonney, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: "Working with our partners at Bracknell Forest Council and the DVSA we ran an operation in Bracknell, targeting waste carriers as a response to fly tipping in the area.

Officers from Bracknell Forest Council, the Public Protection Partnership, DVLA and TVP were present

Officers from Bracknell Forest Council, the Public Protection Partnership, DVLA and TVP were present

“TVP and partners stopped a large number of vehicles. As a result of the operation drivers were reported for licensing offences, prohibited for mechanical defects and several fixed penalty notices were issued for load offences, tyre offences, seatbelt offences, phone offences and document offences.

“Working with partners has allowed the enforcement and education of waste carriers, helping to protect other road users and the general public.”