TWO vans seized by Bradford Council after they were spotted being used for fly-tipping have been crushed.

The Council said it had hoped to sell the vans and give the money to charity, or use it to help finance fly-tipping enforcement costs, but found they were both "dangerous and unroadworthy", rendering them worthless.

The authority said its only remaining option was to have the vehicles scrapped and crushed at the European Metal Recycling’s Bradford depot.

People who had been using the vans to dump rubbish have already been investigated and prosecuted.

Environmental legislation now allows councils to seize vehicles that are being used in fly-tipping or transporting waste without a licence.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: "We want to send a loud and clear message to fly-tippers that we are determined to catch and prosecute them.

"Seizing vehicles is just one way of continuing the fight against fly-tipping, which blights local communities.

"The new legislation has given us more weapons in our arsenal to combat fly-tipping, but our greatest allies in this battle are still members of the public.

"It was a pity we couldn’t make some value out of the vehicles but having them crushed like this means they can’t ever be used again to dump rubbish on Bradford’s streets.

"If anyone sees fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the Council.

"We would also strongly advise residents to make sure they get rid of their waste with a legitimate licensed carrier, otherwise they could find themselves in trouble if it is subsequently fly-tipped and traced back to them."

Fly-tipping can be reported by calling the Council on 01274 43100, or online at www.bradford.gov.uk.