Shropshire scrap metal dealers warned to keep proper records

Shropshire Council’s public protection team is warning scrap metal dealers to ensure they keep proper records, in line with the requirements of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

The warning comes after Shropshire Council successfully prosecuted a scrap metal dealer for failing to keep appropriate records, after the dealer scrapped a car he removed from an address in Ludlow.

Licensed dealer Joe Smith, of Overton Road, Ludlow, was sentenced at Telford Magistrates Court on 26 October 2016 after pleading guilty to failing to keep suitable records of the vehicle he had collected and scrapped without the owner’s permission, and without having verified the identity of the person he says requested that he remove it. He was sentenced to a 2 years conditional discharge, and ordered to pay costs totalling almost £1,000.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 makes it a requirement for a dealer to keep a record of all scrap metal received in the course of their business. A scrap metal dealer must not receive scrap metal from a person without verifying the person’s full name and address.

Frances Darling, trading standards and licensing operations manager, said:-

“This prosecution serves as a warning that Shropshire Council will consider action against any collector or dealer found to be operating outside of the law. We encourage anyone unsure of their obligations to seek advice from the council’s licensing team so that we can work with them to ensure compliance.”

Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, housing, regulatory services and environment, said:-

“Our public protection officers, often in conjunction with the police, carry out checks on scrap dealers and collectors across Shropshire to ensure they are working in accordance with the legislation. Shropshire Council encourages individuals to report any suspicions of illegal activity or concerns with scrap metal dealers or collectors in the area.”

General information is available on the council’s website at https://new.shropshire.gov.uk/licensing/licensing-types/scrap-and-motor-salvage/.

Businesses seeking specific advice should contact licensing on 0345 678 9000 or email licensing@shropshire.gov.uk.  Consumers should report concerns to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.