As featured in the print edition of Professional Security magazine regularly, fly-tipping is a problem, whether in the countryside, or on industrial estates or cul-de-sacs. In Manchester, Trafford Council is launching a tip-off hotline. Witnesses of dumping of rubbish can now report them to the council’s tip-off line on 0161 912 4152.
The authority’s Environmental Improvement department will then act against the fly-tippers who, if convicted, could face a £200 fixed penalty notice or a fine up to £50,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment. Calls should give as much information as possible such as descriptions of those involved, where the crime is, and the vehicle type and registration. Callers are also encouraged to take photographs and videos of the crime, if it is safe to do so.
The council has like others recorded an increase in the number of fly-tipping incidents over the last six months and particularly during the coronavirus lockdown. The council’s Environmental Improvement have been catching fly-tippers in action using CCTV cameras.
Since September 1, the council has issued more than 90 fixed penalty charges resulting in hundreds of pounds of fines – and there are also two cases of fly-tipping listed for the magistrates’ court with 62 further cases under investigation.
Stephen Adshead, Trafford’s Executive Member for Air Quality, Environment and Climate Change, said: “Our Environmental Improvement team works tirelessly week in week out in a bid to eradicate fly-tipping in Trafford. Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in any part of the borough – and therefore I welcome this additional support that will help deter offenders from blighting our streets and neighbourhoods with their rubbish.
“If you witness a fly-tipping incident, do not turn a blind eye, call the tip-off line. These environmental law-breakers must be stopped and held accountable for their actions. Every call will be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.”
The hotline and email [email protected] are only to be used for reporting fly-tippers where members of the public witness people fly-tipping. If residents want to report dumped rubbish they should call 03330 035865.
