The Environment Agency has this week prosecuted a vehicle dismantler based at Swinton, Manchester, for operating without an environmental permit.
The company, Audi VW Spares Swinton Limited, was visited by the Environment Agency in November 2009 and despite being advised that they were operating illegally, continued to trade without applying for the required permit for their activities.
Activities involving the dismantling of waste vehicles have the potential to cause significant harm to both the environment and to human health. In order to protect against harm, such activities need to be carried out under, and in accordance with, an environmental permit.
The company pleaded guilty at Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday 12 April 2011, to operating a waste vehicle dismantling facility without the required environmental permit and its director, Mr Richard Lawrence pleaded guilty to consenting to the commission of the offence by the company.
The company and Mr Lawrence were fined a combined total of £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1515.28 to the Environment Agency.
The activities of the company enabled them to have a competitive advantage over other vehicle dismantlers.
Paul Heaton, Environmental Crime Team Leader, said: “The Environment Agency is committed to ensuring that all vehicle dismantlers operate in a way which protects the environment, as well as ensuring that there is a level playing field for all commercial companies. This company knew it was operating illegally, and continued to do so. I would remind all operators that they should check they have the necessary permits in place to carry out their activities, or they could face prosecution.
“If anyone is unsure if a site needs to be permitted, or how to go about getting a permit, please contact the Environment Agency for help and advice on 08708 506 506.”
The Environment Agency works with trade associations and legitimate operators to crackdown on illegal activity.
Anyone wishing to operate as a vehicle dismantler must apply for an environmental permit, failure to do so could result in a £50,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment
Source: Environment Agency
