New cameras installed in flytipping hotspots around Slough to catch culprits

Two new cameras have been fitted in fly-tipping hotspots around Slough in a bid to catch offenders red-handed.

CCTV and ANPR cameras installed last week have been tracking fly-tipping activity at the Tamar Way clothing recycling banks and Hampshire Avenue, and the Waverley Road service road.

These are in addition to a camera at Everett’s Corner car park in Cippenham – where there are two charity clothing bins – which have already caught dozens of culprits who have been fined.

Leaving items beside a full clothing recycling bank is classed as fly-tipping, which is a criminal offence.

The council believes residents assume the charity bank organisation will collect the bags at the same time the bins are emptied, but instead it attracts more flytipping.

The council is in regular contact with the clothing bank charity to ensure the banks are collected on time and do not contribute to the flytipping problem.

Councillor Ejaz Ahmed, lead member for public protection, said: “Fly-tipping is something which affects the whole community. It makes our streets look messy and uncared for.

“We urge people to dispose of their waste legally, and if they employ anyone to dispose of it for them, check they have a waste carrier’s licence.

“It’s not worth the risk of receiving a fine or the shame of your photo being shared in our quest for information if you’re caught on camera.

“We will not stop in our efforts to reduce the amount of flytipping in our town.”

If the clothing recycling bank is full, residents should take the items home, try another recycling bank, or take them to the household waste and recycling centre in Chalvey.

Each fixed penalty notice (FPN) is a fine of £1,000, reduced to £500 if paid within 10 days.

If someone gives their rubbish to someone else and they flytip, both individuals can be issued an FPN – even if the first person didn’t know their rubbish would be fly-tipped.

This costs £600, reduced to £400 if paid within 10 days, and is referred to as a duty of care fine.

Cllr Gurcharan S Manku, lead member for environmental services, said: “We clear fly-tipping every single day, and this means spending taxpayers’ money on clearing up waste from thoughtless people who just dumped it.

“There are plenty of legal routes for disposal.

“It’s time for people to take personal responsibility and not expect others to clear up after them.”

The council is investigating fly-tipping by clearly marking the waste with stickers and tape so residents can be reassured that officers are aware and dealing with the problem.

The cameras will be moved from hotspot to hotspot to catch flytippers in the act and provide evidence on who is to blame.

Bulky waste collections can be arranged, for a fee, for those unable to transport larger items at www.tinyurl.com/ms3xtnkf 

Report flytipping, and any details on offenders, via email Tipoff@slough.gov.uk or the online form www.slough.gov.uk/xfp/form/229