A man is nearly £1,000 out of pocket after he was found carrying scrap metal without a licence.

David Varrier, of Ypres Drive, Kemsley, was stopped by police, who were working with Swale council, on June 28 last year.

The 51-year-old was spotted in Newbridge Avenue, Milton Regis, with items including dumbbells and radiators. He did not have the necessary waste carrier certificate or waste transfer notes.

Varrier was given a notice to show the right documents but never presented them.

He was also slapped with two £300 fixed penalty notices, which he did not pay.

Varrier pleaded guilty to not having a waste licence and not having waste transfer notes at Medway Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 5.

He was fined £360 for each offence and ordered to pay a £36 victim surcharge and £205 in costs, a total of £961.

A collection order was granted, to make it easier for the money to be recovered if the payments are not made.

'Using unlicensed traders can result in your waste being fly-tipped' - Cllr Tim Valentine

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Tim Valentine (Green), said: "We take these kinds of offences very seriously and will take whatever action is necessary to crack down on rogue traders and keep the borough tidy.

"We ask people who need to get rid of waste to do their part.

"Using unlicensed traders can result in your waste being fly-tipped, leaving local council taxpayers to foot the bill to clear up the mess.

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"Having the right licence to transport waste shows businesses are legitimate and will dispose of waste responsibly.

"Anyone who takes away waste must have a licence. Simply ask to see it and if they can't show one, find someone who can. If you don't and the wast is found dumped, you could be prosecuted."

To check if someone is licenced to carry waste visit the Environment Agency website or call 03708 506506.

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