Leeds fly-tippers now face £300 on-the-spot fine

People who are caught dumping their rubbish illegaly could be handed a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £300, reduced to £200 if the fine is paid within 10 days.

The council claims the new law will cut 
spending on administrative and legal costs by reducing the number of lower-level fly-tipping cases it pursues through the courts.

The total cost of removing fly tips costs the city around £500,000 per year.

And in 2015 alone, there were 12,000 reports of people dumping their waste in the city.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, 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 it also means that the council will save money by not having to pursue all cases through the courts.”

The new rule comes after 
the introduction of the Unauthorised Deposit of Waste 
Regulations this year as part of the Environmental Protection Act.

More serious or larger cases of fly-tipping will still be pursued through the courts, the council said.

The maximum sentence for such offences is five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if it is brought to a crown court.

To report fly-tipping to the council call 0113 222 4406 or fill out an online form at 
www.leeds.gov.uk.