Criminal investigation launched after five vehicles were parked at a rest area

A criminal investigation is underway after five large vehicles, including at least one truck, were abandoned at a rest area.

There were concerns about “contaminated waste” left in several vehicles on a lay-by on the A413 just outside Amersham near School Lane towards Great Missenden.

Buckinghamshire Council confirmed it was aware of the vehicles but described their removal as a “complex operation”.

In addition, it may be necessary to close the road when removing the vehicles, it is said.

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for climate change and the environment, added that the council was working to “bring those who dumped these trucks to justice”.

Photos from Fix My Street show a large vehicle parked at the site. The first reports came in May.

Local residents also expressed concerns about the materials left behind in the vehicles.

Pamilla Tricker said: “I think it was first reported in May and it's still there.

“We fear that there is hazardous waste there.

“The rear roller door has been lifted up three to four inches and is full of stuff. We don't know what.”

Ken Ferguson said: “The trailer has been there for about three months and has no markings or identification.

“It appears that it has been reported to Buckinghamshire Council several times without any action being taken.

“Have measures been taken to check whether this container contains hazardous or toxic waste?”

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “Unfortunately, removing these abandoned vehicles is a complex operation and is therefore taking longer than we would like.

“There are five vehicles in total, all overloaded and not roadworthy. A contractor has been hired to remove them, but first they need to be emptied. The contents may need to be treated as contaminated waste. If this gets underway, traffic management measures and possibly lane closures will be required.

“I would like to reassure people that progress is being made and that criminal investigations are underway into the crimes that have been committed.

“Ultimately, we continue to work to clear these vehicles and their contents and bring to justice those who dumped these trucks, which represents a serious act of illegal dumping and vehicle abandonment on an industrial scale.”

Previously, Buckinghamshire Council Chairman Martin Tett had announced tougher action against illegal waste disposal and criticised the lenient sentences imposed by judges for this crime.

Martin Tett made the comments during a wide-ranging speech at the Conservative-led council's annual general meeting in May.

Addressing a packed council chamber in Aylesbury, he said: “Judges are simply too lenient with illegal dumpers.

“It's too easy to say, 'Look, I stopped the car and took out all the garbage bags and old tires.

“I really wanted to put it back, but I just drove away and forgot about it. That's nonsense, but somehow, it seems, the judges believe people.”

The city council initiates around 30 proceedings each year for illegal waste disposal and imposes fines of around £50,000 annually.

The Bucks Free Press has contacted Thames Valley Police for comment.