A fly-tipper in Grays has become the first person in Thurrock to have their vehicle seized for the crime.

The man has also been fined £400 after dumping garden waste at the roadside.

The waste was discarded in Parkers Farm Road in Bulphan last month, and was reported to Thurrock Council by a resident who provided evidence of the offence.

This comes after an investigation by the council, who seized a white van in connection with the fly-tip on Monday July 1st.

After being fined £400 and ordered to pay £220 in costs, the vehicle will be returned once paid in full.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill said: “Fly-tipping is a selfish and disgusting act that blights our borough. 

“This latest case is the first time we have seized a vehicle in relation to fly-tipping and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate it.

"I would like to thank the resident who reported the offence to us and would encourage anyone else who sees any fly-tipping or has any information to do the same. 

“We will continue to use all of the powers available to us to tackle the problem, but having the extra eyes and ears of our communities is really important.”