The Department for the Environment (DEFRA) proposes to give councils extra powers to stop, search and seize criminal fly-tippers vehicles.
Responding to the consultation proposals by DEFRA, Chairman of the Local Government Association Environment Board, Cllr Paul Bettison, said: “Local people tell us that fly-tipping is one of their biggest annoyances and extra powers to catch the people who mindlessly illegally dump would be a step in the right direction to help make these criminals pay the price for their actions. Councils will strive to ensure that any new laws would strike a balance between cracking down on those who time and again make a mess of the streets while not invading the privacy of innocent people.<br><br>“A major problem with serial flytippers is that they often will use illegal number plates which stop their vehicles being tracked down and therefore escaping from paying the price. Seizing these criminals’ vehicles will help make sure that they pay the price for the nuisance they cause to local people and the costs to the taxpayer.<br><br>“Fly-tipping is a huge problem for councils, the taxpayer and residents alike. Councils are striving to keep the country clean and tidy and have been leading the way in using new, innovative and cutting edge technology to crack down on those who break the law and fly tip.<br><br>"Councils cannot crack down on flytippers alone. Tackling and preventing flytipping needs everyone who lives and works in a local area to help the council in keeping the streets clean.”
Environment Minister Joan Ruddock said: “Fly-tipping poses a serious threat to humans and wildlife. It damages our environment and spoils our enjoyment of our towns and countryside. There are a large number of rogue operators out there claiming to dispose of waste responsibly but then dumping it in public areas as the high profile case in Essex this week highlighted. These are the people we’ve got in our sights. It is estimated to cost over £100 million every year to investigate and clear up illegally dumped waste – a cost which falls on taxpayers and private landowners. This consultation will give everyone the opportunity to have their say on how we can tackle these crimes and I would encourage people to respond.”
The consultation closes on September 8. Read more at the Defra website –
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waste-controls/
