CCTV installed in hot spot areas to tackle fly tipping across the District

‘We Are Watching’... Cannock Chase Council has installed CCTV in hot spot areas across the District to tackle fly tipping.

These cameras are first and foremost a deterrent, but the Council intends to use any evidence found to take enforcement action against the offenders. Fly tipping is an environmental crime, which has been steadily increasing over the last few years.

The Council has received 26 reports of fly tipping since the beginning of the year and has already issued two fixed penalty notices with many still under investigation. The Council takes a zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping and offenders could face having their vehicle seized and crushed, an unlimited fine and possible imprisonment.

The Council provides a number of services to help residents dispose of their waste including a bulky waste collection service with prices starting at £17.50. Further details can be found on the Council’s website.

Councillor Josh Newbury, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change said; “Cannock Chase Council has a zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping and always takes enforcement action when it has enough evidence. 

“Fitting CCTV in hot spot areas should help to reduce the numbers of people who dispose of waste illegally and provide evidence for us to take action on those who continue to offend.

“Our campaign #CrimeNotToCare, which launched earlier this year, aims to educate residents about the right thing to do with their rubbish and to reduce the amount of household waste fly tipped by criminals.  We need the public to understand that their rubbish is their responsibility and they must do the right thing with it.  Even if they paid a third party to dispose of it, they can be prosecuted and end up with a fine and a criminal record.

“I hope that the CCTV cameras will act as a deterrent to those criminals who continue to blight our communities and countryside.”

Cannock Chase Council follows the SCRAP code which it is asking residents to note:

• Suspect all waste carriers. Don't let them take your rubbish until they provide proof of registration. Note their vehicle's registration plate.
• Check that a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website or call the Agency on 08708 506 506.
• Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
• Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of - seek evidence of this.
• Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.

The Council is offering a £250 reward to anyone who provides evidence that leads to the successful conviction of any person, business or other organisation involved in fly tipping waste in the District. These offences carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. 

Residents can report fly-tippers and fly tipping to environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or call 01543 462621.

For more information about fly-tipping, visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/flytipping

Photograph:

Councillor Josh Newbury, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change.