New Fixed Penalty Notice to target fly-tippers

Fly-tippers face being hit with an on-the-spot fine as part of a new policy introduced by Leeds City Council this month.

Utilising the powers contained in new government legislation which came into force during 2016 to provide an additional and quicker way of taking action against those found to have dumped their waste illegally, offenders could be served with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £300, reduced to £200 if the fine is paid within the first 10 days.

The introduction of the FPN will help reduce the number of lower-level fly-tipping cases that the council pursues through the court system and in doing so also save the council money on administrative and legal work.

The council still retains the right to prosecute more serious or larger offences through the courts, which can see an offender face a maximum prison sentence of five years and/or an unlimited fine if the issue appears before the crown court.

The total cost to the council of removing fly-tips is estimated to be in the region of £500,000 per year. In 2015 alone, the council received 12,000 reports of fly-tipping in the city.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said:

“We simply do not tolerate any form of fly-tipping in our city, and will always take action against anyone who is found to be involved in this type of activity which blights our communities.

“The introduction of an FPN which came into force as part of new legislation this month, is therefore another welcome tool in our work to clamp down on those involved in fly-tipping incidents of domestic waste. This will enable us to take immediate action against offenders and also mean that the council will save money by not having to pursue all cases through the courts.”

Notes to editors:

The council is utilising legislation contained in the Unauthorised Deposit of Waste Regulations 2016, contained in Part 2 of the Environmental Protection Action Act, 1990.

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk