In an effort to combat fly-tipping, councils in England will be encouraged to collaborate with local police forces to seize and crush any vehicles used by fly-tippers. Under the scheme led by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), new legislation will also allow for jail sentences of up to five years for anyone who is found to be illicitly transporting waste in England.
Fly-tipping is cited as a common concern among voters. According to government statistics, England recorded 1.15 million incidents in 2023-24, a 6% increase from the previous year. Councils already have the power to seize and crush vehicles used in the act, but Defra says that hurdles mean that it is rarely done.
In addition to working with councils to make it easier, local authorities will also have the power to charge fly-tippers for the cost to seize and store any vehicles, and police will be encouraged to use drones and mobile CCTV cameras to help identify any car or van used for fly-tipping.
The Environment Agency is also expected to receive more resources to carry out checks on licensed waste operators. It will have more powers to revoke permits from ‘rogue companies,’ and fine them.
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