Tougher penalties for fly-tippers in the District

Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved at its meeting last night to introduce tougher penalties for those who blight our landscape by fly-tipping.

This follows an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in May this year, which gives Councils the power to issue fixed penalty notices to those suspected of fly-tipping.

The Council’s Cabinet approved the selection of the maximum level of fixed penalty charge of £400 and that there be no discount for early payment for offenders.

Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Environment said “The amendment to the Act has enabled the Council to change its policy on how they deal with fly-tippers.  The new fixed penalty provision offers a more cost effective option than prosecuting offenders in Court, which can be time consuming and expensive.

Fly-tipping is a disgusting anti-social act and I welcome these changes for the benefit of the District.”

A Fixed Penalty Notice, is served as a criminal penalty in lieu of prosecution for a criminal offence.  Where the offender refuses to given their details or gives false or inaccurate information, then an offence is committed and the person is liable for prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

This new power is intended to provide a cost effective alternative to the prosecution of offenders in the case of small scale fly tipping incidents.  It is anticipated that larger scale more serious incidents, especially those involving hazardous waste would be subject to prosecution as would serial offenders.

The Council operates a reward scheme, offering £100 to residents who report a fly-tipper where their evidence leads to a successful conviction. The scheme will be extended to cover cases where a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued and paid.

Anyone who witnesses fly tipping in the District is urged to report it either on line at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/online or by calling 01543 462621. Key information to pass on includes:

• The date and time of the incident
• The model, make, registration number and colour of any vehicle used
• A description of the offender or offenders.