Thanet District Council has successfully prosecuted a Ramsgate resident for allowing her vehicle to be used to dump waste illegally.
On Wednesday 27 August 2025, Emma Davey of Chilton Lane, Ramsgate, pleaded guilty to allowing her vehicle to be used to illegally dump a caravan filled with hazardous asbestos, on a public road. The hearing was held at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, where she received fines totalling £1,200.
The prosecution follows an incident in July 2023. A caravan in a poor state of repair, full of rubbish and with a collapsed axle, was dumped in the bus lane at St Lawrence High Street in Ramsgate. A witness reported seeing a car attached to the caravan and alerted the council’s Streetscene Enforcement Team.
Enforcement Officers inspected the caravan, and discovered a large quantity of asbestos, which had to be cleared using specialist equipment. Further expenses were incurred to decontaminate, remove and dispose of the caravan.
The owner of the vehicle was quickly established through the witness report and CCTV footage from local businesses.
Ms Davey denied owning the vehicle at the time of the offence. She also denied driving the vehicle or knowing anyone else who did. However, during the investigation, police officers stopped the vehicle, after several sightings of it towing trailers full of waste. At the scene, the resident identified herself to police as the owner.
Mike Humber, Director of Environment at Thanet District Council, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that Thanet District Council will not tolerate environmental crime. We are dedicated to protecting our local environment and ensuring a clean and safe district for everyone.
“Removing illegally dumped waste or fly-tipped rubbish is a major draw on the council’s resources. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence, and if prosecuted in court can lead to an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment.
“This case highlights our commitment to taking robust action against people who illegally dump waste, and we will continue to pursue offenders who show such disregard for our community.”
Anyone who finds fly-tipped rubbish in Thanet can report it on the website. The page includes a map showing incidents that are currently being investigated.
