Wigan Council set to more than double fly tipping fines

After numerous hotspots have been reported across the borough in recent years, it has been reported that Wigan Council was spending around £4 million a year dealing with the growing problem.

This is why, from April, the council is proposing to more than double the fine for fly-tipping to £1,000 to try and cut down on the blighting issue.

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There has been numerous fly-tipping hotspots in recent years (Image: Contributed)
Following the rising issue of fly tipping in recent years, the council has invested in a network of cameras around the borough, intending to target hotspots for environmental crimes and ensure offenders are punished.

One particular hotspot of the borough has seen six fines handed out in recent months, totalling £1,400.

The council says that tackling environmental crime remains a priority for the local authority, with the volunteer-led Keep It Clean campaign launched last year.

Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our environment, creating a hazard for people and local wildlife, and it really damages civic pride.

“We are proposing to increase the fine for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000, which is the maximum allowed.

“We want the message out there loud and clear, fly-tipping is an unacceptable crime and by fining the maximum that we can, we will show offenders that we take this seriously in our borough.

“Our teams will always do what they can to investigate and enforce against it, and the camera network is an important part of that.”

The council is looking to increase fines to tackle the issue (Image: Wigan Council)
The council said that in addition to fines, it can prosecute those who ignore warnings.

In January of this year, an individual was ordered to pay over £1,200 after pleading guilty to fly-tipping.

Cllr Prescott added: “Clearing littering and fly-tipping costs the council an estimated £4m a year.

“Through our Keep It Clean campaign we are working to make it as easy as possible for people to dispose of their items in a responsible way, including offering two free bulky waste collections of up to five items a year to every household in the borough.

“However, we will not hesitate to enforce against those people who commit these offences and harm our communities and environment.

“If you are looking to get rid of items, make sure you are using a licensed waste carrier. If you do not and your waste ends up being fly-tipped, you could also be fined.” 

For more information, visit the council's website here.