West Oxfordshire District Council has said it will increase fixed penalty notices to the maximum allowed by the government to crack down on “crimes damaging the environment”, including fly-tipping.
Crimes like fly-tipping and littering, the council said, “create an eyesore and spoil the enjoyment of outdoor spaces that residents use”.
In West Oxfordshire, the maximum amount those caught fly-tipping could be fined will increase from £400 to £1,000.
The maximum amount those who litter, or graffiti could be fined will increase from £150 to £500.
The maximum amount those who breach their household waste duty of care could be fined will increase from £400 to £600.
During October this year, the council said 19 investigations were undertaken, seven warning letters were sent, and eight fixed penalty notices were issued in relation to these crimes.
Cllr Lidia Arciszewska, executive member for environment, said: “Nobody likes a litter lout and there is no excuse for dumping rubbish anywhere in our beautiful district.
“Disposing of it in the correct place such as street bins, recycling centres or taking your waste home is the responsible thing to do.
“The number of fly tipping incidents between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, was above 1100; the estimated cost of the cleanup was above £20,000 plus the waste tipping costs.”
By increasing the penalties for those caught, Arciszewska said the council hopes to deter those who consider “spoiling our streets or damaging our environment“.
“We need to do all that we can to bring offenders to account and by issuing larger fixed penalty notices, we hope to deter offenders and create a better environment for residents and wildlife”.
