Farron welcomes new scrap metal law

All scrap metal dealers will need to apply to their local council for a licence to operate, under new rules which come into effect yesterday (1 October).

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which clamps down on rogue traders, will also give local authorities and police new powers to inspect premises where they suspect illegal activity. Magistrates will be able to issue fines of up to £5,000 to scrap metal dealers who trade in cash. As well as having the power to issue licences, councils will be able to refuse or revoke licences if a dealer is deemed unsuitable.

The new scrap metal laws will also mean:

• all scrap metal dealers must verify the name and address of the seller at the point of sale, which is recorded and retained by the dealer

• the cashless offence will apply to all scrap metal dealers including 'mobile collectors' who collect door to door

• there will be a single national publicly available register of all scrap metal dealers.

Tim said: "Metal theft is no petty crime. It hits at the heart of our daily lives - grinding trains to a halt, stripping roofs of churches and schools at huge public expense and cutting off power supplies to hospitals and other vital lifelines. This new law is welcome news and I hope it will make a big difference."