08 June 2005

Fly-tippers face government crackdown

Local authorities have been granted more powers to tackle illegal fly-tipping and littering under new legislation.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods Act, people can now be arrested for illegally dumping large quantities of waste. In the most serious cases, offenders could face five years in jail and a £50,000 fine.

According to the latest figures, a fly-tipping incident occurs every 35 seconds.

People will also now face fines of up to £75 for dropping chewing gum and cigarette butts in the street and littering offences have also been extended to include all open spaces, such as rivers, lakes, ponds and private property.

Commenting on the legislation, Local Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “Gum droppers and smokers chucking away cigarette butts can be given on-the-spot fines of £50, which will soon go up to £75. So why risk being fined when it’s so easy to just pop the butt or your gum in the bin?”

The new Act will also give local authorities extra power to tackle ‘fly-posting’ and the sale or repair of vehicles on the road and includes extra measures covering graffiti, noise and waste, which are due to come into force by April 2006.

Mr Bradshaw said: “People want to live in a clean, pleasant environment, but we all have to play our part in ensuring that is what we achieve. Hopefully the new Act will see a change in mindset, improvements in our local environment and pride restored to our communities.”

(KMcA/SP)