In the News: Basildon Council welcomes Government's tougher measures against fly-tipping
Basildon Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, Cllr Aidan McGurran, has expressed strong support for the Government's announcement of stricter measures aimed at tackling fly-tipping.
The new initiative will strengthen collaboration between local councils and the police, enabling authorities to seize and crush vehicles used in fly-tipping incidents.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is leading the scheme, which will introduce new legislation imposing prison sentences of up to five years for individuals involved in the illegal transportation of waste across England.
Cllr McGurran commented: "Fly-tipping continues to be a scourge in our communities. This announcement is a really positive step forward, providing us with enhanced powers to tackle and hold serious offenders accountable.
"We are sending a clear message to waste carriers, hauliers, and individuals involved in fly-tipping: you must be licensed, and you face severe penalties, including imprisonment, if caught. Fly-tipping will not be tolerated."
The new measures will also allow councils to charge fly-tippers for the costs associated with seizing and storing their vehicles. Additionally, police will be supported in identifying vehicles used for fly-tipping through advanced technologies, such as drones and mobile CCTV cameras.
Ends
Published 30 April 2025.