Vehicles seized by Birmingham City Council from criminal fly-tippers are being put to life-saving use by West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS).
A number of vehicles, which have no alternative operational or resale value, have been donated for WMFS training exercises. Two of the vans were delivered to Sutton Coldfield fire station, where they were used by firefighters to perfect their life-saving road traffic collision (RTC) rescue skills.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “I am delighted we have been able to support one of our emergency services in this way. Previously, vehicles that only have scrap value have been crushed – so it is really pleasing we have been able to find a practical use that will help keep our communities safe.
“Of course, this also sends out a very clear message to environmental criminals who think it is OK to blight our communities. We actively investigate dumped rubbish, will not hesitate to take court action and, if you are found guilty, you could lose your vehicle.”
Over the last five years the council has managed to seize 64 vehicles through its efforts to bring fly-tippers to justice, and officers will not hesitate to secure more as a result of future investigations.
Station Commander based at Sutton Coldfield and Wednesbury fire stations, Mathew Ward, added: “We are grateful to Birmingham City Council for donating half a dozen vehicles to West Midlands Fire Service for crew training.
“There’s rarely a day when our firefighters don’t respond to a collision, or train for when they need to. It’s vital that they stay up to speed with the latest vehicle designs, rescue techniques and equipment, so they’re ready to respond swiftly, safely and effectively.”
“Sutton Coldfield is one of our three designated Technical Rescue stations in the West Midlands. We regularly attend major traffic incidents, but also work on jobs that require additional equipment and training outside the remit of standard firefighting. This can include water rescue, rope rescue, response to terrorist threats and more.”
The vehicles being donated to West Midlands Fire Service are as follows:
4x Ford Transit vans of various ages – including: one on Irish registration plates that dumped tyres on Green Road, near Sarehole Mill (image available); another on a 13 plate which was used to deposit bricks into residential bins at various city addresses; and one on an 05 plate, captured fly-tipping three times on Dugdale Street/Abberley Street in Winson Green by council CCTV.
1x 12 plate Mercedes Sprinter – captured on council CCTV cameras, dumping 12 large bags of onions on to Brickfield Road, Hay Mills (image available).
1x 08 plate Renault Scenic – seized after being caught on council CCTV whilst dumping on Franklin Street, Winson Green.
1x 61 plate Hyundai Santa Fe – seized whilst in convoy with another vehicle which was fly-tipping.