WILTSHIRE Council is stepping up its camera operations in a bid to catch people fly-tipping in the county.

Cameras will be deployed at known hotspots to help tackle illegal deposits of waste which is a criminal offence and can carry a maximum fine of £50,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

Between January to April of this year, Wiltshire Council received 1,111 reports of fly-tipping and it is hoped that these camera, along with current enforcement initiatives, will catch fly-tippers in the act of blighting the local environment.

Philip Whitehead cabinet member for highways & transport said: “We are going to crack down on this illegal activity as we hear many complaints about those who fly tip and litter our roads and countryside.

“This proactive course of action will add to the sterling work that our enforcement officers do to combat these crimes. The financial penalties for ignoring the law are severe and our hope is that the work we’re doing will see the problem reduce significantly.”

The government have also introduced a new fixed penalty notice of up to £400 for fly tipping offences under the Unauthorised Deposit of Waste Regulations 2016 which adds another enforcement and deterrence option for authorities.

To report a fly-tipping incident, report it using the My Wiltshire app or call the council on 0300 4560100.