A Chatham man has been fined after failing to supply his waste carriers licence when stopped by council officials. Paul James Fletcher (22) or Sailmakers Court, Chatham, was sentenced on Monday, 28 November at Medway Magistrates Court. Fletcher was originally stopped outside EMR Whitewall Road, Strood on Friday, 22 July 2011.

At the time of the stop he was asked to produce his waste carriers licence by Medway Council’s Environmental Enforcement Officers. Fletcher produced a licence that was out of date and in the name of another licensed carrier. Fletcher was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £300 (reduced to £180 if paid in 10 days). When Fletcher did not pay the fine, he was summons to court. Fletcher did not attend court on Monday and the case was heard in his absence.

He was fined £450 and ordered to pay costs totalling £206.50, plus a £15 victim surcharge. Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Customer Contact Cllr Mike O’Brien said: “Waste licences are an essential tool for 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 if that place is at the side of the road or dumped down an alley.

“Prosecutions like this send out a strong message that the council will pursue through the courts those who break the law.” Waste carriers licences are available from the Environment Agency and cost £154.