Council’s request for dash cam help to tackle fly-tippers

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s crackdown on fly-tippers continues and footage obtained on dashcams or other sources can help bring about successful prosecutions.

Anyone caught illegally dumping waste in west Cheshire could face a fine and even a prison sentence for the most severe cases.

The Council already uses CCTV cameras at well-known hotspots around the borough and has recently also been sent footage of fly-tipping in progress, taken by members of the public on various devices.  These are currently being investigated by the Council’s Regulatory Services Team.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “Fly-tipping usually takes place on quiet country lanes and car dash cams may record it happening. Most people are disgusted by this irresponsible behaviour, and we now have members of the public who are sending us examples of this on new devices that are becoming increasingly popular such as dash-cams.

“We are delighted with this response from responsible members of the public, and if you have any footage of fly-tipping taking place, please send it through to us along with as much information as possible and we will take action.

“There is absolutely no excuse for fly-tipping. Not only is it an eyesore on our environment and a potential hazard to local wildlife, but it is also extremely costly for the Council to clear it up. We will take any steps necessary to find and prosecute offenders.

“The message is clear…Fly-tippers beware!  We’ll do whatever we can to protect our environment”

Anyone with footage or photographs of fly-tipping in action can email:

RegulatoryServices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The Council’s Regulatory Services team is asking residents to share any other information relating to the footage too, such as:

• The date, time and location of the incident
• A description of what waste was fly-tipped
• Whether there were any other witnesses and their details
• How many people were seen to dump the waste and any distinguishing features or a description of what they looked like
• Details of any vehicles involved (make, model, colour and registration number).

The Council is again urging residents to not be tempted to use the services of Illegal waste carriers who often target people on social media.

Unlicensed carriers often simply dump the waste along country lanes or in alleyways leaving the bill for removal and disposal with the Council.

The Council’s Regulatory Services team will look for any evidence they can find in fly tips and any householder or small businesses found to be using rogue traders to dispose of their waste can be prosecuted.

Cllr Shore added: “Please check anyone disposing of waste for you is a licensed waste carrier – always be wary if you are approached by an individual to take your rubbish away.”

If you discover illegal tipping of waste or see it being tipped, report it 24 hours a day on the Council’s website or ‘Report It’ app.

Check if a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency’s website

environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers