Fly-tippers and litter louts in Somerset will soon face higher fines in a new government crackdown.
New legislation means the maximum on-the-spot penalty for dumping waste will rise from £1,000 to £5,000, a 400% increase. Meanwhile, the top fine for street littering will climb from £500 to £750, which is a 50% rise.
The crackdown follows local authorities recording 1.26 million incidents last year, equating to someone dumping rubbish illegally every 25 seconds. The higher penalties take effect from September, with councils having discretion over the level of fines issued, allowing for amounts to be scaled based on the severity of the offence. The government has also issued new guidance to help local authorities identify and seize vehicles involved in fly-tipping.
To report incidents of fly-tipping you should contact the environmental health team at Somerset Council. However, if someone has illegally dumped waste on your land, it is up to you to get rid of it. You could be fined up to £200 if you do not dispose of the waste properly. If there’s a risk to the environment or human health, you should call the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
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