Increased fines introduced to tackle fly-tipping

Natalia Forero
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Curtis Lancaster
BBC News
Getty Images Clothing and other garbage dumped on overgrown site of demolished housing estateGetty Images
Previously people who were caught fly-tipping could have been charged £200

A council has introduced new fines to tackle fly-tipping in a town.

Eastleigh Borough Council has introduced new fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping, household duty of care waste offences and littering.

Offenders could receive fines of £800, £400 and £300 respectively. Previously those caught fly-tipping could be charged £200.

The borough council said the additional charges would cover staff and collection costs, but a discount would be given if the fine was paid within 10 days.

It follows the introduction of cameras in fly-tipping hotspots earlier this year.

The council's cabinet member for environment, 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."

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