Asbestos sheets fly-tipped near Northwood in 2022
Shropshire Council and West Mercia police are trialling the use of CCTV cameras to help in the fight against fly-tipping – with cameras and signage recently installed in a fly tipping hot-spot.
Any evidence obtained will be used to assist investigations and enable further action to be taken.
Shropshire Council has used CCTV before, which has led to action in the courts.
Shropshire Council has recently successfully issued Fixed Penalty Notices for fly tipping following reports from members of the public.
To report fly-tipping, click here to visit the Shropshire Council website.
Dan Morris, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental maintenance, said:
“We have been working hard with other agencies to both deter and bring offenders to justice.
“Shropshire Council will continue to work with West Mercia Police, Defra and the Environment Agency to target anyone who chooses to illegally deposit material, or to carry waste illegally within our county.
“We hope that this sends a clear message, that Shropshire Council will actively investigate acts of environmental crime in our county and work with communities when incidents are reported.”
The council also checks, as part of its investigations, that businesses have trade waste accounts set up and are using an approved licensed waste carrier to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Failure to produce waste receipts and evidence can lead to a fine and a maximum penalty of £5000 if the matter proceeds to the courts. Council officers have issued a fine recently to one business who have not complied.
PC Phil Nock from West Mercia Police, said:
“For over six months West Mercia has been supporting Shropshire Council to promulgate best practices in order to tackle the crime of fly tipping in the county, which includes regular meetings with council officers.
“As a result of this joint initiative, Shropshire Council is now issuing fixed penalty notices and looking to prosecute offenders of this type of crime.”
More information on fly-tipping and the SCRAP code, which explains individuals’ duty of care when arranging for the collection and disposal of waste, can be found on Shropshire Council’s website.
