Man prosecuted for operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence

A man has been successfully prosecuted for operating in the Braintree District without a scrap metal collectors’ licence as required by Section 1 of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

On 30 April 2026 whilst participating in the Council’s ‘Pride in our Neighbourhood’ day initiative, officers from the Council’s Street Scene Enforcement and Licensing Teams supported by Essex Police undertook a routine stop check of a Mercedes Panel Van on Colchester Road Halstead. 

Pride in Neighbourhood days are an opportunity to promote the work the Council’s teams do within the community and support residents, listening to their concerns and responding accordingly as well as conducting targeted checks in the area.

The check revealed that Mr Radu was found to be carrying on the business of a mobile scrap metal dealer without a licence.

The Council brought a prosecution, and the case was heard at Colchester Magistrates Court on Friday 21 August in Mr Radu’s absence.

Mr Radu was fined £660, issued a victim surcharge of £264, and was ordered to pay the Council’s full costs of £2347.37.

Cllr Toby Williams, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “Thanks to the proactive work of our enforcement and licensing teams, we have successfully prosecuted someone operating without a scrap metal licence in our district. Residents should always check any waste collectors or scrap metal dealers are operating with a licence to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly and safely.”

The collection and storage of scrap metal is regulated under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.  The provisions within the act aim to prevent the scrap metal industry from being the central market for stolen metal.  Licensed collectors and sites are required to ensure that records of scrap metal purchases are kept which can be scrutinised by enforcement agencies such as the Council’s Licensing Team and Police.