A van carrying a tonne of rubbish was seized by Greenwich Council as part of an operation to catch vehicles used for fly-tipping.

The operation was carried about by the council and Met Police in an aim to remove nuisance vehicles from the roads, including untaxed and abandoned cars.

Police and council officers were also trying to catch vehicles used for fly-tipping which is how they caught the trash-filled van on September 6.

As officers opened the back and found a tonne of broken furniture and other waste, the van was seized when the driver failed to produce papers proving his authority to transport waste.

He was fined £340 and officers made arrangements for his waste to be transferred into a skip at his cost.

The operation comes after a major drive by the council to crackdown on fly-tipping and wider enviro-crime.

Simon Dobinson, Borough Commander for Greenwich Metropolitan Police Service, said: “This is a great example of the proactive work we are conducting with Royal Greenwich to stop crimes such as fly-tipping before they happen.

“Removing unlicensed and uninsured vehicles also makes the borough's roads much safer not just for motorists but for all residents.”

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment, said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich is proud to be working with the Metropolitan Police to do all we can to remove nuisance vehicles from our streets.

“Those illegally carrying waste can expect fixed penalty notices and even prosecution which could result in seizure of vehicles and fines that run into thousands of pounds.”