Fly-tipping down by 10% in the Ding according to DEFRA figures
GOVERNMENT figures have shown that Reading is getting better at disposing of waste.
According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), there were 175 (10.7%) fewer recorded incidents of fly-tipping across Reading in 2021/22 than in 2020/21.
A total of 1,453 fly-tipping incidents were recorded across the South East of England in 2021/22, down from 1,628 in the previous year.
One reason for the positive trend in Reading could be the increased number of punishments issued by the council.
A spokesperson for the Reading Borough Council said: “We would point out that the number of fixed penalty notices issued by the council for flytipping for those very same two years increased from 224 in 2020/21 to 353 in 2021/22.
“The council considers all instances of fly-tipping unacceptable, irresponsible and a drain on limited resources, not to mention a blight on the environment and unfair on the vast majority of residents in Reading who are law abiding.
“We have a zero tolerance policy and will not hesitate to issue fines, or indeed prosecute offenders, where the origin of the waste can be identified. Depending on the offence, the maximum penalty for fly tipping could be five years custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine if prosecuted in Crown Court.”
The council asks that residents report any fly-tipping activity via its website, contact centre or the Love Clean Reading app.
Prompt reporting will help the council identify the culprit and take action against them. Multiple reports at any given site could see signage advising of penalties installed.
The spokesperson continued: “Where fly-tipped waste includes bulky waste, garden/ green waste or construction material, we are often reliant on witnesses coming forward or capturing the incidents on CCTV surveillance.
“The team operates three sets of CCTV cameras for flytipping purposes and a fourth camera is currently on order. These are placed in frequent fly-tip hotspot areas and are monitored regularly.
“Where waste is dumped from a vehicle and the registration is identified, enforcement action is taken against the vehicle’s registered owner.
“Residents can also help with the identification of fly-tippers by providing information which leads directly to fly tipping fines being issued.”
Reading’s reduction in flytipping incidents mirrored the trend seen in the rest of the South East of England.
A total of 102,916 incidents were recorded across the region in 2021/22, down from 121,283 in the previous year.
Responding to the findings, rural insurance specialist, Lycetts, is calling on landowners to double down their efforts to keep environmental criminals at bay.
Amanda Harman, divisional director at Lycetts, said: “The figures are very encouraging, but it is important that landowners continue to remain vigilant if the downward trajectory is to continue.
“Making it difficult for environmental criminals to access land is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take.
“Gates should be locked when not in use, fences should be in a good state of repair and hedges should be cut back to allow good visibility for property owners.
“Fly-tippers tend to operate under cover of darkness, so exterior lighting should be installed, if possible. Security cameras can also be an effective deterrent, and can help secure successful prosecutions.”