Cameras and fines aimed at making Borough a no-go zone for fly-tippers
Offenders facing fixed penalties of up to £800
A new raft of fines, announced this week, and the recent introduction of redeployable trail cameras, are aimed at making Eastleigh Borough a no-go zone for fly-tipping, littering and graffiti.
A report agreed by the Borough Council’s Cabinet will see offenders hit with fixed penalties of up to £800, with householders who allow their rubbish to be dumped by unscrupulous contractors facing payments of up to £600. Littering offences now attract a maximum £300 penalty.
Earlier this year, Councillors agreed proposals to use redeployable trail cameras in fly-tipping hotspots to catch offenders. Since then, successful enforcement action by the Council’s Local Area Services Team has seen several individuals hit with £200 fixed penalty notices, based on evidence gathered under the scheme, including a person whose vehicle was used to dump waste in Shop Lane, Bursledon. A number of other cases are now being considered for prosecution.
Fly-tipping offences are covered by Section 33 and 34 and littering by Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Whilst the Council can levy fixed penalties, conviction via a criminal prosecution for fly-tipping remains an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Rupert Kyrle, said: “Fly-tipping and littering are an increasing and costly problem for councils and communities and we’re optimistic that the new schedule of fixed penalties will have a strong deterrent effect. We’re really pleased with the impact that the new cameras are already having in catching incidents of fly-tipping.
“We’re keen to make Eastleigh Borough a no-go zone for fly-tippers by issuing heavier fixed penalties and using the new cameras to gather evidence. Residents should also remember to check that anyone claiming to be a waste disposal operative is properly licensed.”
Eastleigh Borough residents can find out more about fly-tipping and how to report incidents and provide evidence at: www.eastleigh.gov.uk/fly-tipping