Authorities swoop on Walleys Quarry in targeted operation
The Environment Agency, HMRC, Staffordshire Police and DVSA were at the Staffordshire landfill
Last updated 16th Mar 2022
A number of officials from the Environment Agency, HMRC, DVSA and Staffordshire Police descended on a Staffordshire landfill this morning.
The targeted operation, dubbed a 'day-of-action' by the Environment Agency, focussed on commercial vehicles moving waste in the North Staffordshire area.
Officers were visible patrolling inside and outside the gates of Walleys Quarry in Silverdale, with HMRC and DVSA vehicles parked up in the lay-by opposite.
As part of this, commercial vehicles were also checked on the A5271 at Porthill roundabout and on Cemetery Road in Silverdale, which leads to the gates of Walleys Quarry.
Red diesel checks on vehicles
The Environment Agency says operations like this gather more information about those transporting waste.
Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire News contacted a spokesperson from HMRC. They told us:
“HMRC joined an Environment Agency led operation this morning (Wednesday) along with other partners, at a site in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
“HMRC mobile enforcement officers performed routine red diesel compliance checks on a number of vehicles.
“Motorists caught using red diesel in their vehicles may face a hefty fine and the seizure of their vehicle."
Gerry Magee from the Environment Agency’s Environmental Crime team said:
"The combined use of our powers helps us ensure that robust and proportionate action is taken where it is needed.
We will continue to work with partners in this way to get the best outcomes for communities.”
DVSA’s Director of Enforcement, Marian Kitson said:
“DVSA’s priority is protecting everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
"Alongside our partners, we are eager to contribute to this valuable work for the public’s safety in Staffordshire.
"All operators and drivers have a legal and moral duty to ensure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy. Failing to do so will result in us taking action where a danger to public safety is identified.”
Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire News asked the Environment Agency if the 'day-of-action' led to any enforcement action at any sites that authorities attended today. A spokesperson said:
"I’m afraid we’re not able to share any more info than we have already."
An Environment Agency spokesperson said it works with partners to target hauliers moving waste in Staffordshire and is part of national efforts to ensure waste is described accurately and transported safely to the right facilities.
They added: "Working together, the Environment Agency, HMRC, DVSA and Police combine efforts and use their powers in a targeted way. This could include ensuring vehicles are safe and maintained to the correct standards, that waste being transported is described accurately and that the destination is the right facility."
Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire News contacted the landfill operator for a statement. A spokesperson from Walleys Quarry Ltd said:
“We understand that today’s multi-agency visit was part of the regulatory process applied to all landfill sites to ensure they operate in full compliance with rules and regulations, as Walleys Quarry does.
“Naturally, we were happy to co-operate fully with the various agencies as we always have done.”
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