A FLY-TIPPER had their car seized after they were caught dumping rubbish in the countryside.

Thurrock Council was able to track down the culprit by using CCTV footage and issued a £1,000 fine.

Officers also arranged to have the fly-tipper’s car taken off the road earlier this week.

It has since been returned after the owner admitted dumping the rubbish and paid the fine, along with a further £260 to cover the costs of the investigation.

The fly-tipper had dumped a mix of rubbish bags and garden waste in West Tilbury in February.

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Thurrock Council leader Rob Gledhill said: "We have once again shown that we take a proactive and decisive approach to tackling those that think they can dump their waste wherever they like in our borough.

"Fly-tipping is a selfish act that shows contempt for the borough and its residents.

“In the last year it has cost Thurrock taxpayers more than £200,000 to clear the waste that has been fly-tipped here.

"In the past year, Thurrock Council has seized six vehicles and issued 231 fixed penalty notices in relation to fly-tipping.

"This should send a strong message to anyone who thinks they can get away with illegally dumping waste here.

“Our officers investigate all fly-tips and will use all means necessary to bring fly-tippers to justice.

"There is absolutely no justification for fly-tipping.

“Our Household Waste and Recycling Centre is open seven days a week and is free for all residents to use to safely and properly dispose of their waste."