Fly Tippers Beware
Torfaen Council’s enforcement officers are becoming hi-tech to prosecute fly tippers. The environmental health team now uses covert surveillance equipment.
The small, remotely operated cameras are used to monitor the area’s worst grotspots and catch offenders in the act. In 2005 the Council responded to over 800 fly tipping incidents. The cameras have already been used to prosecute two fly tippers and issue fixed penalty notices. Offenders face a maximum £50,000 fine and up to five years imprisonment.
The Council is also benefiting from new powers under The Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005 which:
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Helps councils to deal more effectively and immediately with fly tippers.
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Extends councils’ investigative powers allowing them to trace offenders.
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Introduces fixed penalty notices for certain offences.
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Introduces tough new powers to order an offender to pay the full costs incurred by the enforcement authorities in investigating the offence and of the landowners affected by it.
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Allows the court to confiscate a vehicle used for fly tipping, and give it to the Council to sell or destroy.
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Gives new powers to councils to stop, search and instantly seize vehicles being used for fly tipping or that are carrying waste that are not registered as waste carriers.
Councillor Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “We also work with the police and the Environment Agency to gather evidence against offenders. The Council is committed to tackling the illegal disposal of waste as this anti-social behaviour is spoiling our local environment. The message to would-be offenders is simple - if you are thinking of fly tipping your waste think again, as the chances of getting caught are higher than ever.”
To report a fly tipping incident in your area call 01633 648494