Cardiff Council is reminding all scrap metal dealers that they need a licence to operate. After an extensive information campaign raising awareness on the new legislation, the Council is now taking enforcement action against those who are flouting the law.
The first prosecution was heard at Cardiff’s Magistrates Court on February 20th against Richard Hill from Woolaston Avenue in Cyncoed.
Mr Hill pleaded guilt by letter to one offence of operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence under section 1 (1) of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and was fined £110, ordered to pay costs of £75 and a victim surcharge of £20.
Dave Holland, Head of Regulatory Services at Cardiff Council, said “The new legislation aims to stop the illicit trade of scrap metal which costs Cardiff Council a significant amount of money each year. The new legislation allows authorities to trace an audit trail, with the intention to put these rogue traders out of business. The first prosecution sends a clear message that our enforcement campaign has begun and more case will follow.”
The Council is working with the South Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales to stop, search and request documentation to ensure that all scrap metal traders are licensed. This includes those operating from a fixed site, mobile collectors and motor salvage operators.
Dave Holland continued: “Our message is very simple; we ask all those operating as a scrap metal dealer and don’t have a licence to contact the Council as soon as possible. The Licensing Team is available either by telephone on 02920 871 651 or by emailing [email protected]”
