WILTSHIRE Council has prosecuted a rogue trader as part of a clamp down on unlicensed scrap metal traders.

The council successfully prosecuted Richard Whiting, 45, of Armines, Marlborough, who pleaded guilty in Swindon Magistrates Court to collecting scrap without a scrap metal dealer’s licence.

Mr Whiting was ordered to pay a total of £1,000 in fines, costs and victim surcharge.

Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said “We encourage our residents to be vigilant when dealing with scrap metal collectors and to check they are licensed by Wiltshire Council to collect scrap metal or scrap vehicles within Wiltshire Council’s area.

"Any scrap collector should clearly display their photo licence on their vehicle and residents are asked to view it before conducting any transactions.”

It is illegal for any scrap metal dealer to purchase or sell scrap metal from anyone using cash. Only electronic or cheque payments may be used. Any scrap metal dealer in Wiltshire must have a valid scrap metal dealer’s licence and upper tier waste carrier’s licence, issued by Wiltshire Council or the Environment Agency.