A push for more prosecutions and enforcement against those caught dumping rubbish has been made in Reading.
Bad cases of fly-tipping have recently been reported at the bottle banks in Kensington Park, West Reading, with photos showing piles of waste dumped at the site.
Dumping is also an issue throughout the town, as a bottle bank in Erleigh Road, East Reading was sealed off last year due to persistent fly-tipping.
Opposition parties on Reading Borough Council are pushing for the Labour administration to take action.
Different approaches to enforcement to tackle waste dumping were raised by in a question councillor James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) at a full meeting of the council.
He started by highlighting successes in tackling fly-tipping elsewhere.
Cllr Moore said: “Local residents are concerned about the ongoing issue of fly-tipping in Reading and the significant costs associated with its clean-up.
“I would like to draw your attention to successful approaches taken by other councils to address this issue more effectively.
“Manchester City Council has implemented movable cameras in fly-tipping hotspots with notable success.
“Additionally, Winchester City Council has managed to reduce fly-tipping by 40 per cent by focusing on prosecutions, resulting in criminal records for offenders, rather than relying on the government-preferred Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).”
He then asked how much clearing dumped waste and CCTV enforcement costs.
Finally, cllr Moore said: “I believe that exploring these alternative strategies could lead to more cost-effective and long-term solutions for our Borough.”
The question was answered by Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services.
Cllr Rowland (Labour, Abbey) was unable to provide the amount spent on clearing waste and CCTV, as these costs are not recorded.
She also alluded to a new ‘zero cost partnership arrangement’ aimed at doubling enforcement resources.
Cllr Rowland said: “Where fly-tipping is investigated by this enhanced team, and an offender identified, enforcement action will take place in the form of a FPN, designed to give the opportunity to dispose of the offence out of court and avoid prosecution by payment.
“For large scale or repeat offences, the council and its partner can decide not to issue an FPN and proceed straight to court.”
She added that FPN charge rates are currently in review and are due to be boosted as part of an annual review of fees to be implemented on April 1.
Cllr Rowland explained: “These charges will seek to amplify fees
for both littering and fly-tipping offences and recover the cost of enforcement.
“It is hoped that enhanced FPN fees will act as a significant deterrent whilst remaining reasonable and proportionate through the offender making early payment arrangements.”
Additionally, she said that the council is due to announce its ‘refreshed approach’ to free bulky waste collections that will target areas worst affected by dumping.
Cllr Rowland explained: “The prior arrangement was significantly over-subscribed and failed to sufficiently address those communities that needed it most.
“I hope the many good residents of Reading will be reassured by these upcoming changes to how we address littering and fly-tipping in our Borough.”
The exchange took place at the full meeting on Tuesday, January 28.
