This month, the Labour Government announced new powers allowing Councils to seize and crush fly-tipping vehicles.
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Waste criminals, fly-tippers and cowboy waste operators would have their vehicles seized and crushed.
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New technology such as drones and mobile CCTV will be used to identify fly-tip vehicles.
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Waste cowboys could face up to five years in prison under new legislation.
Hounslow’s Labour administration is already leading the charge against fly-tippers, having recently increased fines to the maximum allowed by law (£1,000).
Hounslow Council recently launched Operation SWIFT (Stopping Waste In Fly Tipping), with the support of the Metropolitan Police.
Together, they are identifying and disrupting unlawful waste carriers, rogue traders and individual perpetrators of environmental crimes. The Operation sends a clear message to anyone operating without a proper licence, looking to commit crimes against our neighbourhoods – you will be caught, and you will pay the maximum penalty.
Welcoming the new powers announced by Government, Cllr Shivraj Grewal, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Recycling and Transformation, said,
“Working people in Hounslow have had enough of the criminal dumpers who pollute our neighbourhoods with rubbish. This will help reinforce our zero-tolerance approach and restore pride to our communities.
“Since we introduced the Special Waste Service, we have made real efficiencies in how we respond to reported fly-tipping cases more quickly. Since Covid, however, we have seen rates of fly-tipping increase across the country – often driven by organised fly-tipping gangs.
“Our message to those who trash our communities is clear – Hounslow will not accept fly-tipping, we will pursue you, and when we find you, your vehicles will be seized and crushed, and you may face up to five years in prison.”
Cllr Raghwinder Siddhu, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, Regulatory Services and Enforcement, added,
“These powers are long overdue. They should make enforcement easier, and reduce the financial burden placed on councils like ours. While the Tories left communities like ours to fend for themselves, this announcement is a sign that this Labour Government is back on the side of Local Government.”