Kevin David Adams, 46, of Station Road, Marsh Gibbon, appeared at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court and was convicted of failing as a waste carrier to take all reasonable measures to prevent the escape of waste from his control.

The court heard that on June 20 2007 a vehicle driven behind Adams' waste lorry was hit by loose waste items blowing from Adams' load. The driver took evasive action and reported to the authorities that lightweight items blew regularly from the vehicle as it travelled from Oakley to Thame on the B4011.

The driver noted Adams' vehicle's registration number and saw that the load was not sheeted as a precaution against loss of waste. When investigated by officers from Buckinghamshire County Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council, Adams said he was certain that he always sheeted his waste loads as the company policy strictly required it. Further investigation supported the witness' account and undermined Adams' claim.

Adams made an early "Guilty" plea at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court and the Magistrates recognised that he had co-operated fully with the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Buckinghamshire County Council on behalf of the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire. If a person sees anyone dumping waste illegally in Buckinghamshire, they can report it in on the illegal dumping reporting line: 0845 330 1856.

Bill Lidgate, Vice-chairman of the Waste Committee for Buckinghamshire said, "This case illustrates how vigilant members of the public are when they see waste being dealt with in an unacceptable manner. This professional driver has caused real danger to other road users and has rightly been punished by the courts. The Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire investigates a wide range of illegal waste practices reported to the local authorities."

Cllr Kevin McPartland, AVDC Cabinet Member for Civic Amenities, said, "Apart from destroying the appearance of the countryside, depositing litter on roads is dangerous and can result in serious accidents for road users. We will not hesitate to take punitive action against people caught littering our highways."