Fly tipping in Bucks has been areal issue during lockdown, with the council claiming its third highest haul of fines and costs related to problem. This is even after no court hearings being held between the 19th of March and the 5th of August.
Bill Chapple OBE, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, says: "One of the more surprising challenges has been a national surge in fly tipping since the first lockdown came into force – and this has certainly been noticed locally. Hopefully this behaviour will reduce once the current situation passes, though it remains a fact that as much as two thirds of fly tipping in Buckinghamshire is done for commercial gain - either a trader avoiding disposal costs or the result of a 'no questions asked' waste removal job for a business owner or householder.
"Despite the challenges, our enforcement team is well-placed to maintain the council's zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping – prosecuting or issuing fixed penalty notices whenever there is evidence against an offender.
The council say there are two main ways the public can help in the fight against fly tipping:
1. Take care when deciding on who to take your rubbish, choose a bona fide waste carrier, and never pay in cash as it helps an offender avoid being traced.
2. If you witness a fly tipping taking place and its safe to do so, you can help by collecting evidence, especially a vehicle reg number. Bur, never put yourself at risk and avoid confronting anyone.