A man and woman have been fined after they were caught using a Motability vehicle to dump waste on private land in Warwickshire.
The pair were recorded by private security cameras on May 30 as they stopped a black Vauxhall people carrier beside Howe Green Lane in Astley.
Footage showed the couple removing bucket loads of rubbish and debris from the rear of the vehicle before leaving the area.
Private security cameras expose illegal dumping
The couple apparently did not realise they had parked on privately owned land, where their actions were captured on CCTV.
The footage was subsequently used by Warwickshire Police and North Warwickshire Borough Council as part of a joint investigation aimed at establishing who was responsible for the illegal disposal of the waste.
Investigators eventually identified the individuals, who admitted responsibility for the fly-tipping offence.
Police seize taxpayer-funded vehicle
Authorities took action against the couple under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, seizing the vehicle used in the incident.
Both individuals were subsequently fined £1,000 each for their involvement in the illegal dumping.
Their Motability agreement was also terminated following an investigation into the misuse of the scheme vehicle.
Council condemns ‘selfish’ fly-tipping
Councillor Margaret Bell, chair of North Warwickshire Borough Council’s community and environment board, described fly-tipping as both selfish and illegal.
She said the offence damages the environment, harms the appearance of the countryside and creates additional pressure for landowners and taxpayers.
Bell also praised the cooperation between the council and Warwickshire Police, saying the evidence gathered through the investigation had enabled those responsible to be identified and held accountable.
She urged members of the public who witness fly-tipping to report it so that authorities can investigate.
Motability says misuse will be taken seriously
Motability Operations, which administers the Motability Scheme, said its vehicles are provided to support disabled people and that misuse of the scheme is treated seriously.
A spokesman said the organisation acts quickly when concerns arise in order to protect the scheme for people who depend on it.
The company confirmed that its special investigations unit had examined the case and that the individual’s Motability contract was terminated as a result.
Warwickshire Police confirm joint investigation
Warwickshire Police said the driver and passenger of a vehicle were believed to have been involved in a fly-tipping incident on May 30.
The force’s Rural Crime Team subsequently worked alongside North Warwickshire Borough Council to investigate the matter.
Police confirmed that officers seized the vehicle under environmental protection legislation as part of the enforcement action.
