100 fly-tipping incidents A WEEK in Sandwell
Nearly a hundred fly-tipping incidents a week were reported in Sandwell for the first three months of the year.
Figures for January to March 2018 show a total of 1,118 reported incidents of rubbish being illegally dumped in public places across the borough.
Smethwick was the worst affected area with nearly 396 reports to Sandwell Council, followed by West Bromwich with 330 between January and March.
The council says that overall fly-tipping reports fell by 8.3 per cent, equating to 101 fewer incidents, in January to March this year, compared to the same three-month period in 2017.
A report to the authority's economy, skills, transport and environment scrutiny board officers said more than 99 per cent of incidents are cleared within 24 hours.
It added that street teams are also helping to bring offenders to court.
The council is also installing CCTV cameras in dumping blackspots in an effort to catch offenders.
Concerns
Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: "We have responded to people’s concerns about fly-tipping and this reduction is very welcome. We now want to build on this.
“The mix of £400 fines and having CCTV in hotspots is really helping us tackle this environmental crime, which creates such a mess and costs the council taxpayer to clean up.
“We would also remind people that they face prosecution and an unlimited fine if they give their waste to someone who then illegally dumps it. Always ask where they are taking it and to see their waste carrier’s licence.”
Sandwell Council has issued 74 fines to fly-tippers since a new enforcement team began issuing the maximum £400 fixed penalty notices in May 2017.
