Campaign to Stop Fly-Tipping

The district council have put up huge travelling billboards on the side of their fleet of six waste trucks, which can now be seen travelling all over the district spreading the anti-littering message.

The council hope the traveling advert, 'fly-tipping is a crime', will make people think twice about dumping rubbish illegally, while encouraging people to report it, if they see anyone breaking the law.

Posters and flyers, carrying the hard hitting message, will also help to reinforce the council's crack down on fly-tipping.

Ruth Plant, Director of Operational Services, said: "It is totally unfair that we all end up paying to dispose of other peoples' rubbish properly. This campaign warns those who think they can get away with it, that if we catch them, they could face a fine of up to £50,000 or six months in prison. Rubbish dumped on our verges and country lanes is not just unsightly it is also expensive to clear up. This is why we're also urging anyone who sees this criminal behaviour to report it to us."

On top of the promotional campaign, the council has recently stepped up efforts to catch fly-tippers in the act. Following investigations by Environmental Health Officers, the local authority successfully prosecuted four people for waste offences, and formally cautioned a further three people.

Council officers will continue their zero tolerance approach to investigating fly-tipping, uncovering offenders by conducting surveillance at hot-spot dumping sites, and carrying out stop and searches of waste carrying vehicles, in partnership with the Police.

"We hope our enforcement work, coupled with this high profile campaign, will make people think twice about fly-tipping, helping us to keep Lichfield District tidy for everyone," added Ruth Plant.

To help stamp out fly-tipping, report it by calling Lichfield District Council on 01543 308999 or visiting www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/reportit