The local authority says its enforcement team have achieved success with a “focused crackdown” in “hotspot wards”

A man crouching over some fly tipped rubbish surrounded by an assortment of other rubbish — A council officer deals with fly tipping (Credit – Barnet Council)

Barner Council is celebrating the success of a “focused crackdown” on fly tipping after income from fines during the current financial year passed £100,000.

The council said this landmark had been achieved as it completed a three-month focused crackdown in four “hotspot wards”: Burnt Oak, Hendon, West Hendon and Cricklewood.

Fines for fly tipping in the borough increased this year from £300 to £500 for a first offence and £400 to £600 for second offences, although the council points out that this remains below the government limit of £1,000.

The recent crackdown has included a promotional campaign to raise awareness of fines and how to dispose of waste correctly in the four hotspot wards, which has used the taglines “dump the dumpers” and “fly tippers: we will find you and fine you”.

Sara Conway, cabinet member for community safety, said: “The council’s proactive enforcement teams are working hard daily to ensure we find and fine people illegally dumping waste in Barnet, supported by our enhanced and expanded CCTV network. Fly tipping is a filthy crime and we are determined to keep improving how we tackle it .”

Alan Schneiderman, cabinet member for environment and climate change, added: “Passing £100,000 in fines is a really encouraging milestone, and shows that we are hitting back against environmental crime in the borough, but clearing waste such as fly-tips is still costing the council around £500,000 a year.

“We need residents to help us by reporting any information you have about fly tips near you, including any footage or tip-offs that could help us track down the responsible parties.”

Residents can find out more about the council’s campaign to tackle fly tipping and report incidents online here.

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