Plans to use mobile cameras to catch and fine fly-tippers in Wrexham receive approval

Plans to use mobile cameras to catch and fine fly-tippers in Wrexham have received the green light.

It follows a sharp spike in the number of people dumping rubbish down country lanes and other locations across the county borough during the coronavirus pandemic.

Figures covering the months between April and September last year show there were 877 reports of fly-tipping in the area, compared to 491 over the same period in 2019.

Senior councillors have now approved measures to deploy cameras to litter hot-spots to catch offenders out.

It will result in anyone found responsible for abandoning rubbish being hit with a fine of up to £400.

Cllr David A Bithell, deputy leader of Wrexham Council, said other work would also be carried out to educate people and change their behaviour.

Speaking at an executive board meeting held on Tuesday, the local authority’s lead member for environment said: “I’m pleased that the measures in this report will go a long way to tackling some of the issues that we’ve experienced, in particular during lockdown, when more people are staying at home.

“Unfortunately, we’ve come across people who have decided not to go and use our neighbourhood recycling sites and have chosen to dump waste on the side of roads and country lanes.

“This report is not just about fly-tipping, it’s also about behavioural change.”

He added: “I know many elected members and groups pick litter up at the side of the road that people have discarded.

“Unfortunately, there are those who flout the rules and break the laws and we need to make sure that Wrexham remains a clean and safe place for people to visit.”

The council has previously been criticised for failing to take action against offenders through the courts, but officials have claimed the new enforcement scheme will be more effective.

It will see the authority recruit a new officer, who will be responsible for developing an action plan to address dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping in the area.

The educational element of the proposals will involve both a national and local publicity campaign to deter people from littering, which will be supported by Keep Wales Tidy.

However, one community leader questioned whether there were enough officers available to fine people.

Cllr Nigel Williams, who represents Southsea, said: “I do think it’s a bit idealistic where it’s on about the changing of mindsets for people who drop litter or leave dog foul on the pavements and it does need more enforcement.

“I welcome the increase of the amount of fines but if we don’t have enough enforcement in place to actively catch people, you can charge whatever you want in fines.”

The level of fines for fly-tipping has been set at £400, which will be halved to £200 if paid within ten days of the penalty notice being issued.

Householders will also have a duty of care to only give their rubbish to people who are authorised to dispose of it.

Failure to do so could land them with a £300 fine, reduced to £150 if paid within the 10-day period.

As executive board members approved the plans, council leader Mark Pritchard issued a stark warning to fly-tippers.

He said: “I understand what David wants to do on the educational side and I fully support that.

“But what we all need to be mindful of is that unfortunately, there’s a small percentage of people who won’t conform and think that it’s the norm to fly-tip.

“We are purchasing cameras and we will be using them where and when appropriate.

“The sooner we catch these people, put them in front of the courts and they have the fine, the better for me.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter