Bexley Council has launched a robust crackdown on fly-tipping, dramatically increasing fines and rolling out a new signage campaign to deter offenders. This decisive action comes as part of a national initiative to combat the blight of illegally dumped waste.
Substantial Fines and Vehicle Seizures
The council has taken a hardline stance by raising the maximum fixed penalty notice (FPN) for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000. This significant increase in penalties is already being enforced, with the authority confirming that four £1,000 FPNs have recently been issued to businesses responsible for large-scale waste deposits.
Enforcement has been rigorous throughout the year. To date, more than 132 fixed penalty notices at various levels (£200, £500, or £1,000) have been issued to residential properties, individuals, and businesses caught illegally dumping rubbish.
In a coordinated effort, the council's Enviro-Crime officers have been working alongside the Metropolitan Police and the Environment Agency. This partnership has led to the seizure of vehicles suspected of involvement in fly-tipping offences. One vehicle, a white Volkswagen, was suspected of dumping waste in the cherished Foots Cray Meadow. A second, a white Mercedes Sprinter with the registration KV61 WPZ, was seized on Westwood Lane in Welling.
Public Awareness and 'Fly-Tipping Fortnight'
Complementing the stricter enforcement, the council has installed more than 70 new signs at identified fly-tipping hotspots across the borough. These signs are designed to make it easier for residents to report incidents and serve as a clear warning to potential offenders.
This local action coincides with the national 'Fly-Tipping Fortnight' campaign, launched by Keep Britain Tidy. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the problem of rogue 'white van' operators who advertise cheap waste removal on social media, only to dump the rubbish illegally in streets, lay-bys, and green spaces.
Council Warning and Resident Responsibility
Councillor Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, issued a stern warning: “We will not tolerate any form of fly-tipping in this borough and those caught dumping waste can expect to be prosecuted and fined.” He emphasised the importance of continued joint operations with the police and called on the community to assist in keeping the borough clean.
The council has issued crucial advice to residents, stressing that if you pay someone to remove your rubbish, you must ensure they are a registered waste carrier. Failure to do so could result in you receiving a fine. Information on licensed waste carriers can be found on the Environment Agency's website.
