PENALTIES for those caught fly-tipping in Wychavon could increase by 5x as part of a major crackdown on environmental crime.
Wychavon District Council is proposing a five-fold increase in the maximum fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping, raising it from £1,000 to £5,000 in what leaders say is a clear warning to offenders.
The tougher sanctions, which councillors will consider later this month, would also raise the maximum penalty for littering from £500 to £750.
READ MORE: ‘Use it or lose it’: Mobile tip coming to area plagued by rats and flytipping
The proposed changes are part of a wider zero-tolerance approach to tackle rubbish dumped across the district’s towns, villages and countryside.
Council leaders said fly-tipping and littering continue to cost taxpayers money while leaving communities to deal with the mess.
Wychavon District Council could be increasing the amount of fines to £5,000. (Image: Wychavon District Council)
Councillor Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s executive board member for environment, said the increases would send a “clear message” that environmental crime would not be tolerated.
She said: “These proposed increases send a clear message that we will use every tool available to crack down on the criminal behaviour that blights our district.
“Whether it is fly-tipping or littering, anyone caught damaging our communities and countryside can expect tougher consequences.”
READ MORE: How fly-tipping is leading invasive plant to ‘colonise and damage’ new UK areas
The council is also urging residents to think twice before paying someone to remove unwanted waste.
Officials warned that rubbish handed to unlicensed waste carriers could end up being dumped illegally, with householders themselves potentially facing enforcement action if they fail in their legal duty of care.
Earlier this year, the authority launched WasteGuard, a free service designed to help people find authorised waste carriers, while a campaign called SCRAP encourages residents to check who is taking away their waste.
Meanwhile, more than 21,500 children across 58 schools have taken part in the council’s anti-litter education programme through Little Litter Warriors.
Councillor Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Fly-tipping and littering place financial burdens on council taxpayers while blighting our beautiful district.
“Increasing these penalties is another step in ensuring those responsible face the consequences of their actions rather than leaving others to pick up the cost.”
The proposals will go before full council for approval later this month.