A driver has been fined £600 for failing to produce a valid waste carrier’s licence.

Stephens Collin, 60, from Gravesend was stopped by the Kent Police motorbike team on Anthony’s Way, Strood, on September 11.

His Ford flatbed truck was loaded with waste materials including broken brake discs, tyres and white goods.

Officers from Medway Council’s enforcement team were contacted and asked to attend.

Collins was asked to produce a valid waste carrier’s licence. Although a licence was produced it was not in the name of Collins but for another individual.

A call was made to the person named on the licence where it was revealed that the licence did not cover Collins because he was not directly employed by the licence holder.

Collins was again asked to provide a licence in his name, but could not. He was summonsed to court on January, 15, for the offence of not being a registered waste carrier.

Collins did not attend but Medway Magistrates fined him £600 and ordered him to pay full costs of £236.50, plus £15 victim surcharge.

Cllr Mike O’Brien, whi is in charge of community safety, said: “These waste licences are an essential part of the council’s armoury in dealing with fly-tipping and other environmental crime.

“They are in place for good reason helping the council to keep tabs on where waste ends up and to take appropriate action.

“Prosecutions like this send out a strong message that the council will pursue through the courts those who flout the law and put Medway’s environment at risk.”