Fly-tipping fines will be increased to a maximum of £5,000 under a new crackdown announced by the UK government. The top fine for littering on streets will also rise to £750, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed.
The new fines will come into force this summer. The fine for fly-tipping waste will increase to £5,000 – a 400 per cent uplift from the previous level of £1,000. The top fine for littering will increase by 50 per cent from its current level.
Government's Message to Offenders
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Fly-tipping and littering is a disgrace that blights local communities. Under this Government, criminals who break the rules will face heftier fines to clean up the mess they make. We are sending a clear message to those who dump their rubbish – we are coming after you and you will pay the price.”
Discretion for Local Authorities
Local authorities will retain full discretion over the level of fine issued, with penalties scaled to reflect the severity of the offence, Defra said. Councils can issue fines anywhere between the minimum and maximum thresholds, ensuring that punishments remain proportionate, the government added.
New Guidance on Vehicle Seizures
The government has also given local authorities instructions on identifying and seizing vehicles involved in fly-tipping, via new guidance.
