Fly-tippers warned as South Hams Council cracks down on countryside dumping
People illegally disposing of waste in South Hams are being warned they could face hefty fines after the council took enforcement action over a series of fly-tipping incidents
Fly-tippers leaving bulky rubbish in the South Devon countryside have been warned there is nowhere to hide.
South Hams Council has issued four fixed penalty notices over the past six months, with fines of up to £600, and has pledged to get tough on waste crime.
"We take waste crime extremely seriously," said Cllr Victor Abbott (Lib Dem, Ivybridge East). "We will use all powers available."
The Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued for breaches of waste duty of care legislation, which requires people to take all reasonable measures to prevent fly-tipping and ensure waste is handled by licensed waste carriers and disposed of properly.
Cllr Abbott, the council's executive member for community services, operations and leisure, said: "Fly-tipping is a blight on our countryside and a crime that endangers wildlife and damages our environment. We are determined to take action against those carrying out such crimes, and these FPNs are proof of that.
"We're committed to keeping the area clean and tidy for our residents and visitors."
He said anyone disposing of bulky waste should ensure they use a licensed waste carrier to protect themselves as well as the environment.
"If in doubt, don't hand your waste over," he said.
The first incident involved waste dumped in a gateway in Plympton, including cardboard boxes, carpets and timber from renovation work. The second involved waste left in a lay-by in Ivybridge, consisting of cardboard boxes and bulky household items.
Following investigations, both individuals were invited to attend interviews under caution. They admitted failing to take reasonable measures to ensure their waste was disposed of legally, and Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for breaching their duty of care responsibilities.
As well as taking action against people who fail in their duty of care responsibilities, the council said it also takes firm enforcement action against those responsible for transporting and illegally disposing of waste.
Offenders can face Fixed Penalty Notices, prosecution and significant fines through the courts.
In South Hams, a Fixed Penalty Notice for breaching waste duty of care carries a £600 fine, reduced to £400 if paid promptly.