CAMERAS are being deployed in fly-tipping hotspots in the Cirencester area to deter people from dumping their rubbish illegally.

It is hoped that the new cameras will make people think twice about illegally dumping their waste and will save the council money.

Cotswold District Council said they cleared 1,016 fly-tipping incidents last year and said the practise was a "blight on the local environment."

Juliet Layton, cabinet member for development management and licensing, said: “We are serious about clamping down on fly-tipping. 

“Not only does it cause significant blight on the local environment but it is often a source of pollution, which can endanger public health and wildlife. 

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“It also costs the council money to remove fly-tips, if we can minimise the number of fly-tips, we will be able to save a huge amount of taxpayers money.

“We hope that the installation of these cameras will make any fly-tippers think twice about dumping their rubbish in our beautiful district.”

The cameras - which have been placed across the district - will be rotated on a regular basis.

Offenders caught fly-tipping face a fixed penalty notice charge of £400 or prosecution for more serious offences.

The district council has also been working with Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire police, searching vehicles and issuing advice to motorists about waste licences.

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During a recent stop and search operation, 32 vehicles were stopped and one warning letter was issued.

Kevin Lea, enviro-crime programmes officer at Cotswold District Council, said: “The operation was primarily about stopping anyone who was carrying waste illegitimately. 

“But also to educate those waste carriers in our district to remind them of the documentation they need to carry when transporting waste.

“The installation of these cameras will also enhance our ability to catch anyone fly-tipping.

"Normally our officers rely on evidence from the fly-tip, or a witness who is able to identify the fly tippers and/or the vehicles they use. 

“Now with the cameras we have the vehicle information and potentially images of the fly tipper themselves readily available for investigation.

“But if you do witness an incident of fly-tipping, please report it as soon as you can. 

"That gives our officers the best chance of catching the perpetrators.”

To report illegal fly-tips visit: https://cotswold.gov.uk/environment/report-fly-tipping/

If you have any questions on fly-tipping or responsible waste disposal, please email: ers@cotswold.gov.uk