Swindon resident issued with fixed penalty notice as Wiltshire Council continues to target fly tippers

Wiltshire Council has issued a fixed penalty notice (FPN) to a Swindon resident as part of its zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping after they dumped waste at a disused layby in Broad Hinton.
 
Evidence found in household waste was linked to a Devizes resident. During a formal interview with council enforcement officers and the Devizes resident, it became apparent that the waste had been taken away by a Swindon resident known to them, who offered to remove the waste and claimed it would be disposed of properly. The waste was subsequently fly-tipped by the Swindon resident on their way back home. 
 
The Swindon resident was issued with a £400 FPN for the offence of fly-tipping, which has been paid in full and within the required 14 day timeframe. The fly tipper claimed to have tidied the rear of his van at the layby and forgot to place all of the waste back in his vehicle before moving off. Once a fixed penalty has been issued, the recipient cannot be named as it is not a conviction in court. 

The Devizes resident who had their waste removed was crucial to this successful outcome as they took all relevant details about the individual and were able to give a detailed statement.

Everyone has a legal duty of care to ensure their household or business waste is disposed of correctly. If people are using a waste clearance service, they should:

• Check they have a valid upper tier waste carrier licence
• Note their vehicle registration, make and model
• Get a receipt or waste transfer note

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "This is yet another example of the great work our officers do to help combat fly-tipping. Thankfully, the resident who gave their waste away for disposal recorded all the details of the person who took the waste, which assisted officers in catching this fly-tipper.

"In our Business Plan, we have committed to tackle fly-tipping. We're Targeting Fly-tippers and we take a zero tolerance approach. We will always prosecute or issue FPNs where we can.

"Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping should report it to us, as our Environmental Enforcement team will investigate all reports and take necessary and proportionate enforcement action. Plus, anyone who reports fly-tipping to us and is willing to assist in our investigation by being a witness could be entitled to a reward of up to £200 in high street vouchers, if the information leads to the successful prosecution of an offender or the payment of a fixed penalty notice."

Residents can report fly-tipping online at My Wilts online reporting, or by calling 0300 456 0100.
 
Details about the ongoing fly-tipping rewards scheme can be found at Fly-tipping.