A truck that was being driven on the public highway filled with waste was one of the 12 vehicles seized in a police sting last week.

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, Greenwich Borough’s ‘Operation Stop It!’ aims to remove ‘nuisance vehicles’ from the roads in the borough.

This includes abandoned vehicles, untaxed vehicles and vehicles suspected of being used for fly-tipping.

The driver has been questioned and the vehicle is confiscated for failure to produce authority to the transport waste.

Kellner Road, SE2, was the focus for the council’s Environmental Enforcement team, as well as several roads in Abbey Wood amid increased reports of enviro-crimes from some local 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.

“We are sending a clear warning to motorists: those illegally carrying waste can expect fixed penalty notices and even prosecution which could result in suspended custodial sentences, seizure of vehicles and fines that run into thousands of pounds.”

Simon Dobson, Borough Commander for Greenwich Metropolitan Police Service, said: “It is so important that we crack down on illegal vehicles in this borough.

“We will continue to work closely with the Royal Borough of Greenwich on removing as many illegal vehicles as possible.

“’Operation Stop It!’ enables us to drive home the message that we will not tolerate this sort of crime.”