Scrap metal dealers who have not signed up for new licence are operating illegally and face a fine of up to £5,000.
NEW legislation which came into force last year means that scrap dealers who do not have a licence with their local authority now face a fine of up to £5,000.
Anyone collecting, buying or selling scrap metal and any motor salvage operators need one of two new licences from their local authority to operate under the new Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. In East Lindsey, the District Council is responsible for the granting of such licences.
A site licence will allow a dealer to operate a site and collect any scrap relevant to that site, and a collector’s licence will allow its owner to collect scrap only within the authority area that it was issued.
The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Craig Leyland, said “This new licensing gives the Council greater power of enforcement over those unscrupulous dealers who do not abide by the law and gives the public peace of mind when using scrap metal dealers and street collectors. It is important that anyone who uses any type of scrap metal dealer checks that they have the appropriate licence.
“We will now be working alongside the police to crack down on any businesses illegally operating without the correct licence so I would urge anyone who operates this type of business who has not yet applied for a valid licence to come forward and do so.”
These licences do not replace the Waste Carrier’s Licence. To collect scrap in East Lindsey a dealer will be required to hold a licence issued by the Council as well as a Waste Carriers Licence issued by the Environment Agency.
* For more information or to apply for a licence, contact Kristina West on or visit www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/
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