Fly-tippers in the Burnham-On-Sea area now face increased fines, it’s been announced this week.
Sedgemoor District Council has just raised its fines for the illegal dumping of waste to £400 for a fixed penalty notice.
“Fly tipping is a serious environmental problem, which is unsightly, hazardous to children and attracts vermin,” said Sedgemoor spokeswoman Claire Faun. “It is illegal and punishable by a fine or imprisonment.”
In most instances, Sedgemoor District Council will clear dumped rubbish from public land, however fly tipping on private land is the responsibility of the landowner/tenant.
Everyone in Sedgemoor can take action against fly tipping, from reporting those dumping waste to avoiding their own waste being fly tipped.
If you discover fly tipped waste, follow these simple steps, and contact Sedgemoor District Council on 0300 303 7800.
- Do not touch: fly tipped waste may be dangerous, as it can contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances.
- Visually inspect it: try to determine what it is and how much there is.
- Note its exact location and whether it is in or near water.
- Do not disturb the site: there may be evidence that could identify and convict the culprits.
- If you see someone fly-tipping, follow these tips: while staying safe, note how many people were involved; the day, date and time it occurred; and the make, colour and registration of any vehicles involved.
The Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2016 came into force in May 2016. The new regulations introduce the power to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to persons believed to have committed an offence of fly-tipping.
