THE first stop and search operation of a major new crackdown on fly tipping has been organised by council and police officers across York and North Yorkshire.

Neighbourhood enforcement officers from City of York Council worked on Thursday alongside North Yorkshire Police officers in the north of the city as part of Operation Eyeball, a multi agency taskforce launched in June.

Twenty-three vehicles were stopped to see if they were carrying waste and licensed to do so and 17 notices were served, ordering evidence to be provided showing that there were licences to carry waste.

Selby District Council enforcement officers also worked alongside police officers patrolling a number of areas including fly tipping hotspots Kirk Smeaton and Hensall, and one vehicle was seized.

Cllr Helen Douglas, York council's executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods, said: “I welcome this day of action which sends out a clear message that we will take action against those who dispose of waste illegally.

“We know that reporting fly-tipping helps prevent it. In York we investigate all reports and prosecute perpetrators and, through Operation Eyeball, we share evidence which has a still greater impact on preventing fly tipping."

Deputy leader Andrew Waller said: “Fly tipping is illegal, and damages the environment. Clearing up afterwards costs local authorities funding that could be used to provide other services, and therefore this clear demonstration of joined-up work with the police shows that steps are being taken to tackle this at source.”

Cllr Chris Pearson, Selby lead councillor with responsibility for housing, health and culture, said, “In Selby we investigate all reports of fly tipping and prosecute perpetrators and, through Operation Eyeball, we can share our evidence and information.

“I welcome this day of action which sends out a clear message that we will take action against those who dispose of waste illegally.”

Superintendent Paula Booth, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This operation shows that the selfish crime of fly-tipping will not be tolerated in our communities. There will be no let-up in our efforts, and we will continue to work closely with landowners and local authorities, sharing intelligence and information, to tackle this issue head-on.

“Members of the public are a vital part of this campaign, acting as our ‘eyes and ears’. If you find or witness fly-tipping, wherever it is, record as many details about the incident and the waste as you can, and report it to your local authority or via the gov.uk website. If a crime is in progress, contact the police. Your information will help the authorities take action against those responsible and stop them fly-tipping in the future.”