New bill seeks tougher penalties on fly-tippers

Arran residents are being urged to back a proposed Scottish Parliament bill to impose tougher measures on fly-tippers.

Councillor Tom Marshall, Conservative group leader of North Ayrshire Council, is calling on islanders to support the members’ bill, launched by party colleague Murdo Fraser. The move is aimed at significantly strengthening current fly-tipping legislation which dates back to 1990.

If approved, the bill could see fly-tippers being held responsible for clearing up their rubbish and paying large fines. It also seeks the lifting of the current fixed-penalty notice of £200 and to guarantee the person on whose land waste is disposed on is not responsible for its removal.

Councillor Marshall said: ‘I am pleased to be backing my colleague Murdo Fraser’s plans to crack down on fly-tipping.

‘All too often fly-tipping is a scourge on our beautiful landscape and communities in North Ayrshire and Arran.

‘It is selfish and unacceptable to dump waste at unauthorised locations. It is the public, landowners and North Ayrshire local authorities who are left to pick up the pieces.

‘This new bill is essential for strengthening current laws against fly-tipping which stretch back decades.

‘I would encourage everyone in North Ayrshire and Arran to get involved during the consultation process in the coming weeks and months and make their feelings known.

‘I also hope this sensible piece of legislation will secure cross-party backing from my fellow MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.’

Consultation on the proposed bill will run until Monday May 23. Those wishing to comment or learn more about the bill can find it at https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/ proposals-for-bills/proposedfly-tipping-scotland-bill.